Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am glad the Senator said it was on a preliminary basis because Senator Norris has not yet informed the Seanad Office in writing of his intention to retire. It would be appropriate to mark that, given that the Senator raised it and that many of us were aware of the situation. We will pay tribute in future to the father of the House. Senator Norris has, as Senator McDowell has said, been a Member of this House for 36 years and he has been a champion of equality and diversity. As the Senator rightly said, Senator Norris took a court case when the issue was not popular and when it was a minority viewpoint. I owe Senator Norris a huge debt of gratitude. He is a person I have admired from afar and from working with him in this House. He has been a huge help to me in my political and personal life and many of us in the LGBT community owe Senator Norris a debt of gratitude that words could not adequately cover. I mention his bravery and courage in taking on the State and going to the European Court. His participation in this House and his help of many of us as younger Members of the House, will never be forgotten by us. We will pay tribute to him and thank him in a more formal setting.The Seanad and the Houses of the Oireachtas will be a poorer place with his retirement. He will probably not be retired for long from his many good acts but we wish him well and thank him for his many years of service. Anois, glaoim ar an Seanadóir Malcolm Byrne.