Members of the House were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pat Kerrigan on Wednesday last. He led a distinguished public life and was very active in local and national affairs. While he was a member of this House for a brief number of years only, he was already well known to us as Lord Mayor of Cork and as a member of the Seanad from 1973 to 1977. He was a dedicated trade unionist and equally dedicated in promoting in public life the interests of those whom he represented. I can personally say of him, representing my own constituency as he did, that he was a completely fair and forthright political opponent. It was most regrettable that ill-health overtook him so soon after his election to Dáil Éireann, but the fortitude with which he bore his grave illness was an inspiration to all those who came in contact with him.

Iarraim ort, a Cheann Comhairle, comhbhrón comhaltaí an Tí seo a chur in iúl dá bhaintreach agus dá chlann. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Members rose in their places.