Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 38: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent passing of Senator Robert C. Byrd, long-serving United States Senator for West Virginia, and his far-sighted opposition to the Iraq war. [29636/10]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of a true American statesman, a hero to the state of West Virginia, and a true friend to the island of Ireland, Senator Robert C. Byrd. In this regard, I would like to note the Senator's support for the International Fund for Ireland, during his time as Chair of the Senate's Appropriations Committee.

Throughout his 52 years in Congress, Senator Byrd had a front row seat to some of America's most memorable moments. Whether it was the assassination of a beloved President, the landing of a man on the moon, or the tragedies of September 11th, Robert Byrd was at hand to lead and to serve not just the people of West Virginia, but the citizens of the United States.

He was never a man to sacrifice his own personal beliefs for the sake of political gain. He would often courageously voice his opinion, with candour, while dedicated to the principles of the US Constitution. As the Deputy notes in his question, this was particularly so in the clear stance Senator Byrd took on Iraq. He was one of the few to change his own views on race relations in America. In the words of President Obama, "He had the courage to stand firm in his principles, but also the courage to change over time."

Robert Byrd's talents didn't just end in the halls of Congress. Apart from being the longest serving member of the United States Congress, he would often showcase his talents as a fiddle player. Senator Byrd played some of the most famous venues in America, including the Kennedy Centre - even releasing an album while he was Majority Leader.

President Obama referred to the Senator as "uniquely American", a more fitting description I think you could not find. On behalf of the Irish Government, I wish to extend our condolences to his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughters, their grandchildren and great grandchildren, and all the people of West Virginia who loved and cherished Robert C. Byrd. May he rest in peace.