Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Before I call Senator Cummins, as I have done on all occasions when members of the Cabinet come to the House, I take the opportunity to thank the Minister, Deputy Ryan, for being here. It is good to have a member of Cabinet here taking a Commencement matter. On my own behalf and on that of the House, I thank the Minister for his service to public life and to the State. He announced his retirement this week. You can disagree with the Minister on many things, but he is a thorough professional, a gentleman and a decent human being. He is a person I have grown to admire in my time served in a number of Oireachtais. I thank him for that. We wish him a very happy retirement and thank him.