Before I ask the Acting Leader to outline the Order of Business, as we do in Seanad Éireann on the passing of a former Member, we have an expression of sympathy and a minute's silence. This is by way of a tribute to the former Members' contribution to this House, but also to Ireland, and in recognition of their service to the State. On this occasion, we are honouring the memory of a former Member of this House and a former TD and Minister of State, Brian O'Shea, a son of Tramore, County Waterford.

Brian was educated in Mount Sion CBS before studying at St. Patrick's in Dublin, where he trained as a primary school teacher. He began teaching in 1970 in Waterford and was an active member of INTO, where he served as a chair of the Waterford branch for many years. In 1985, he achieved a remarkable feat, being simultaneously elected to Waterford Corporation, Waterford County Council and Tramore Town Commission. He went on to top the poll in the Tramore and Waterford city areas in 1991.

His national political career began here in Seanad Éireann in 1987, where he was elected to the industrial and commercial panel. In 1989, he won a Dáil seat, topping the poll. From then until 22 years later, he served the people of Waterford with unwavering commitment until his retirement from national politics in 2011. He was a Minister of State at the Department of agriculture with responsibility for food and horticulture. Later, in the Department of Health, he had responsibility for disability, public health and food safety. He was dedicated to Waterford. He never lost touch with local issues. He travelled the county every weekend, Tallow, Dungarvan and Tramore, meeting people face to face. Among Brian's greatest achievements was a long-fought campaign to bring radiotherapy services to Waterford, finalising in 2007.

Another was his commitment to securing university status for Waterford, a project fulfilled in 2022 with the establishment of the South East Technological University. The foundations were laid by Brian and many others. Brian also looked to remember the forgotten and quiet role played by those of the widows of the War of Independence and the veterans who had served and to ensure that they received the pension. That is something that he was extremely proud of.

He was in lifelong service to the Irish language, a strong supporter of cultural development and a great advocate and supporter of the establishment of TG4, recognising the importance of Irish language broadcasting to Irish cultural expression. On behalf of this House, we would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his wife, Eileen; sons, John and Paddy; daughters, Christine, Anne, Siobhán and Mary; his brother, Seán, his grandchildren, his extended family and his colleagues in the Labour Party. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. I ask Members to be upstanding for the memory of Brian O'Shea.