Senators stretched convention to remember the former TD, Mr Tom Foxe, who died on Tuesday.
The deputy Government leader in the House, Mr John Dardis (PD), noted that a Standing Order did not provide for a vote of sympathy. However, he felt it would be appropriate that they should record the passing of Mr Foxe, who had done much for his constituents.
Mr Michael Finneran (FF) recalled that Mr Foxe had been a very popular member of the Oireachtas. His passing was a major loss to his family and to the people of Co Roscommon.
He said he had been regarded as a gentleman of politics, and his greatest legacy was the way he had used his Dail membership to secure the retention and development of Roscommon County Hospital as an acute general hospital.
Mr Brian Mullooly (FF), an Cathaoirleach, said that as a TD from 1989 to 1997, and as a member of Roscommon County Council, Mr Foxe had proved himself to be an extremely hardworking and effective politician.
He had been exceptionally popular with his constituents and with his fellow public representatives of all persuasions.
The Leader of the House, Mr Donie Cassidy, said there was always sadness when a parliamentarian died, but that sense was heightened in this instance because this man had been snatched from them in the prime of his life.