Derek Dignam retirement tribute
The Ceann Comhairle paid tribute to Derek Dignam's 45 years of public service and impending retirement. Members responded with applause, and the chair remarked lightly that he might be in trouble for the tribute.
Before moving to the next business, I draw the House’s attention to the fact that sitting before me and clerking in the House for the last time today is Derek Dignam. Derek has been in the public service for 45 years and is due to retire during the course of the summer. His career has been a long and distinguished one. He joined us in the Oireachtas in 2001 and has worked on the Committee of Public Accounts, has been head of Members’ services, went on secondment as our representative in Brussels for a number of years and returned to take up the position of head of communications. Among the specific achievements we can point to during his years of dedicated service was his leadership of Vótáil 100, Dáil 100 and Seanad 100.
He moves on now to the next phase of his life and career. We wish him and his wife, Marie, very many years of health and happiness together. We thank him for being direct, honest, forceful and loyal in his service to these Houses.