Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Before I call on the Leader to announced the Order of Business, I join everyone in expressing our sadness and sympathy on the death last week of our former colleague and friend, Michael D'Arcy Snr., former Member of this House, TD, Minister of State, and county and town councillor. Michael was a native of Annagh, Gorey, County Wexford and had a long and distinguished career in local and national politics serving the people of Wexford.

He began his political career in 1958 when he served on Wexford County Council having been co-opted to the position following the death of his father, Timothy. He served on Wexford County Council for many years after that. In June 1977 he was elected to the 21st Dáil which marked the commencement of a distinguished career in national politics. He was a proud Wexford man and member of Fine Gael but he was, in particular, a huge advocate and supporter of rural Ireland and of farmers, of which he was one. He loved people and was very committed to politics and was renowned and known for his hard work, honourable and committed public service and representation, for his people, his county and his country.

In 1981, he was appointed Minister of State in the Department of Agriculture by the then Taoiseach, Garret FitzGerald and again, in 1982, he was appointed Minister of State in the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and at the Department of Gaeltacht. He served in the 20th Seanad from 1983 to 1987 on the agricultural panel and was returned to Dáil Éireann in 1987, representing his county of Wexford, up to 2002. He served as a member of Gorey Town Council and, indeed, chaired its last meeting in 2014.

Michael D’Arcy Snr. leaves behind an outstanding legacy of public service to the people of Wexford, a tradition that was carried on from his father and was subsequently carried on by his son, Michael Jnr., who also served in this House as well as Dáil Éireann during his political career.As well as a remarkable career in politics, he was a loyal member of Kilanerin Ballyfad GAA club throughout his life. As well as being a playing member of the club, he also served as club president and chairperson.

On my own behalf and on behalf of all of us in this House, I extend our sympathies and thoughts to his family and to his wife, Marie; his children, Jude, Michael, Liam and the late Shirley; his siblings Peggy, Emily, Nora, Frank; and his late brother, Jim. My sympathies also go out to his extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends. In due course, we will hold a tribute to him in the House. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.