Seanad Report: Dr Robin Eames, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of the Church of Ireland, was one of the unsung heroes of the battle against paramilitarism in Northern Ireland, Shane Ross (Ind) said.
Mr Ross joined in tributes paid on all sides of the House to Dr Eames.
Brian Hayes, Fine Gael leader in the House, proposed the Seanad send its warmest regards to the archbishop who had yesterday announced his retirement to take effect from the end of the year. "He was and is an extraordinary churchman who lived in extraordinary times. He represents the value of tolerance and always stood up for the decent values in this country."
Martin Mansergh (FF) said that for more than 20 years Dr Eames had been a sounding board and a source of advice for Irish governments. "He played a quite crucial role in the transformation of what is now referred to as the Hume-Adams initiative into the Downing Street declaration, which was a catalyst for the first ceasefire. I think he played a crucial role in persuading both John Major and his friend, unionist leader James Molyneaux, that this initiative was worth supporting."
Maurice Hayes (Ind) said he had known Dr Eames since he had been a curate. "In all that time he has maintained a remarkable consistency in supporting peace, the resolution of conflict, dignity and human rights. He is a person who provided real leadership in Northern Ireland through difficult times. He is a real pastor, not only to his own flock but to the wider community. I think Northern Ireland is the richer for his having been there and the poorer for now losing him."
House leader Mary O'Rourke said all who had observed him over the years realised the beneficial influence which Dr Eames had exercised, notably in terms of the promotion of ecumenism. She would send a letter from her office conveying the appreciation of members for the role played by Dr Eames.
It was not just a disgrace to have people on trolleys in hospital accident and emergency departments, it also increased the mortality rate of such patients, following their eventual admission to hospital, Mary Henry (Ind) said. Figures from Australian sources had shown there could be a link as high as a 20 to 30 per cent rise in mortality.
Minister of State for Health and Children Brian Lenihan said that a range of measures had been taken to improve the A&E service, which was still unacceptable in some departments.