Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I second the amendment to the Order of Business. I also pay tribute to the former Senator, Niall Ó Donnghaile. He was always a nice guy. He made many good suggestions and statements in this House. He was certainly very friendly to all of us. I wish to send my good wishes to him.

I wish to speak about the late Tom Hussey, a former councillor, Senator, TD, Minister of State and Parliamentary Secretary. In 1977 and 1978, he was Parliamentary Secretary and, from 1978 to 1980, he was Minister of State in the Department of Agriculture. In 1980 and 1981, he served in the Department of Social Welfare and also in the Department of Health. He certainly had a very distinguished political career. He came from Patch, Glenamaddy, County Galway, not too far from the Roscommon border. It would be fair to say that he was a really helpful politician to all who came his way. He was a very calm and cool man. I would say he never turned anybody away and listened to everybody's story. He had many political achievements in his life.

Even though he had reached a good age, this is very sad time for his wife, Bridie, and their six children, Sinéad, Triona, James, Thomas, Paul and Ciarán, and his sisters, nephews, nieces, grandchildren and all the other family relations. Tom Hussey was steeped in agriculture. When I went to his house a few years ago, I noticed the lovely little layout he had for three or four horses he had. In his junior ministries, agriculture was certainly very important to him. He was also great fighter for the west of Ireland and for communities in the west. Along with many others, I will lament his passing. He will lie in repose this evening and will be laid to rest tomorrow. I am sure everyone will join me in expressing my sympathy to his wife and family at this time. May his soul rest in peace.