Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I join the expressions of sympathy to the family of the late John O'Mahony. I had the pleasure of serving with him in the other House. I served with him in close quarters on the transport and tourism committee. While John was mild mannered and was not always the person you heard first, when it came to detail, the progression of legislation and addressing serious issues, John O'Mahony was to the fore. He was a serious politician. While he did not shout from the rooftops, he worked assiduously and diligently behind the scenes. As I said, I saw that at close quarters. I was often taken by his mild-mannered nature because, generally, that is not associated with great coaches. They are always seen being revved or riled up and driving their teams on. John had a capacity to get to the nub of an issue and instil confidence in those around him by being careful in the way he used language and by being cautious in his approach to things. He wore his accolades very lightly. When meeting him for the first time, you would have to Google him to really appreciate and see what he had achieved. He certainly was never one for having his elbow on the bar shouting from a distance about what he had achieved, even though he had achieved so much. I am sure he could have achieved so much more if life was not so cruel.

I want to address a sensitive matter and I want to do so in the most general way possible.Recently, I understand a member of the usher brigade within this House had their position terminated. There is a serious issue that needs to be addressed and it would be useful if the Leader could communicate to the Commission of the Houses the concerns that have been raised by many, particularly in how the House addresses an issue like this when it is brought to their attention and how long it takes to make a decision. Rumours abound that complaints had been made and were not addressed and we need to look into that.