It has come to our attention that Kathleen Watkins, the famous musician, harpist, writer and broadcaster, has passed away this morning, five years after her beloved Gay Byrne passed away. She was the first continuity announcer on RTÉ on the opening night of Teilifís Éireann on New Year's Eve 1961. She was an iconic figure in Irish broadcasting, in terms of the history of modern broadcasting from the 1960s onward. She was a dignified woman who made an outstanding contribution in her own right to the world of music, broadcasting and, latterly, children's writing. She wrote Pigín of Howth and other books which were extraordinary works in themselves. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.

I think we would all like to be associated with that. People of our generation would particularly regard her as a national treasure and inspiration to many. We send our deepest sympathies on behalf of the House to her daughters and extended family.