Barry Ward (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join with colleagues in expressing my condolences to the family of John O'Mahony.I knew John, not from in here, but from politics certainly. Both he and my father were from Ballaghaderreen. He was a gentleman and somebody who was very understated in terms of his achievements and what he had done. I greatly regret hearing the news this week and I pass on my sympathies to his family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

I recognise we are now 17 days from the Olympics. I note in particular the success of Irish sailing in sending four young sailors to the Olympics, namely, Finn Lynch from Carlow in the laser standard category, Eve McMahon from Howth in the laser radial and Robert Dickson and Sean Waddilove in the 49er class. These four young people will represent us in Marseille at the Olympics in just over two weeks time. We do not spend enough time recognising the successes of our sporting organisations. Sailing Ireland deserves huge credit for putting together a high performance academy to foster the talent we have in sailing and to send those people to the Olympics. I am very much looking forward to their successes. As an island nation, we could certainly benefit from more investment in watersports, swimming, water safety and facilities for people around the coast of Ireland. In Dún Laoghaire, there are plans for a large water sports development, which I welcome. There is a bright future ahead. I recognise those four young people as they head to Marseille - I believe they are already in France - to compete for us and do us proud. I wish them the very best of luck.