Members will have been saddened to hear over the weekend of the death of a former Member of this House and former councillor, Ernie Caffrey. A proud Mayo man, he devoted himself wholeheartedly to the people of Ballina and the wider region. He served on Mayo County Council and Ballina Urban District Council. He was also a Member of this House from 1997 to 2002, serving on the Industrial and Commercial Panel. He had a genuine desire to improve the lives of those he represented and among whom he lived. He was privileged to serve in this House and he had the qualities of integrity, loyalty, humility and kindness.

He was widely regarded as a gentleman, listening attentively and acting thoughtfully, as well as ensuring the people he represented were central to everything he did. He represented the communities of north Mayo and west Sligo and left a legacy of enduring commitment. He was central to the creation of Moy Valley Resources, a community development organisation established in 1990 to support enterprise and voluntary projects at a time when unemployment and emigration in that part of the country exceeded 30%.

He had a great interest in sport and was involved in Castleconnor GAA club, where he received the club's hall of fame award in 2009. He is fondly remembered as setting up the club in the 1950s. He was a remarkable sportsman in his own right who competed at national and international level into his 70s in track and field events, including sprinting, long jump and shot put. Beyond public life, he was a devoted family man.

On behalf of this House, we extend our deepest sympathies to his children Liam, Declan, Elizabeth and Miriam, and to his grandchildren, extended family and the large circle of friends he leaves behind, as well as members of the Fine Gael Party. We express our deepest sympathies. I ask Members to be upstanding for a minute's silence.