Maria Byrne (Fine Gael)

I rise today to pass a vote of sympathy to the family of the late Donal Carey, a former Minister of State with responsibility for the arts and the Gaeltacht. He served in that position for two years. He also served as a Senator for a year from 1981 to 1982. He was elected in 1982 to Dáil Éireann, where he served until 2002. He was replaced by his son Joe, who took his place in the Dáil in 2007. Joe was a Member of the Dáil until very recently. Donal was a great character of a man and was very knowledgeable. He was certainly a great support to all, especially to people as they entered politics. He will be remembered by so many. I pass a vote of sympathy to our former colleague Joe and his siblings Leonora and Donal junior. Donal was at home with them all the time and he lived with Leonora. He will be missed by many people. He was a strong contributor and supporter. He represented the constituency of Clare very well over the years. May he rest in peace.