I move that: "Notwithstanding the resolution of the Dáil of this morning that the Dáil do adjourn until 2.30 p.m. on 26 January 1994".
Adjournment of Dáil.
Question put and agreed to.
On behalf of all Members may I take this opportunity to thank you, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, and your staff for the courteous and efficient service they have given us throughout this session and, on behalf of us all, to extend to you, and yours a very happy and peaceful Christmas. Indeed, I might also thank all the political leaders, especially in the Opposition, for their very broad support of this great note on which we finish this session. I should also like to express my thanks to the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs who has worked so diligently, effectively, in such a committed manner, in endeavouring to bring about a peaceful Ireland for all of us. Hopefully we will see its beginnings in 1994.
Nollaig faoí shean agus faoí mhaise daoibh go léir.
I join the Taoiseach in wishing you, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle — you may not have heard earlier this morning when the Ceann Comhairle was in the Chair — your family, all the staff and Members a very happy and peaceful Christmas.
Perhaps 1993 will be a year we shall all remember and, as we do in regard to many other great moments in history, be able to recall where we were in December 1993 if this process brings about the hoped for peace and reconciliation in the North of Ireland.
I too would like to join the Taoiseach and Deputy Owen — I extended my good wishes this morning — in wishing you, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, the Ceann Comhairle and the staff of the House a happy Christmas. I should also like to wish the Taoiseach, the members of the Government and the Members of other parties and their families a happy Christmas. I agree with the Tánaiste and hope that the unanimity with which we end our proceedings this evening will send a powerful message to those who wish to listen.
I too note the fact that we are rarely on a unanimous note on the Adjournment.
Do not get thrown out.
I do not intend to get thrown out for the next few minutes at least. Curiously enough, the House was not unanimous on that either. I wish all my colleagues well over the Christmas and hope they have a fine rest. I wish the Government well in their ongoing discussions that will obviously take place even during the Christmas recess. I hope when we return here in the New Year violence will have ceased. In particular I wish the people of Northern Ireland a peaceful Christmas and a peaceful New Year. I wish you, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, and the staff of the House a happy Christmas and a happy New Year.
Unaccustomed as I am to sitting in this seat——
(Interruptions.)
——I have sent Christmas greetings to everyone in my address. In particular, I want to thank you, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, the Ceann Comhairle and the staff of the House for all their assistance during the last session. I wish them and their families and all the Members of this House a very peaceful and happy Christmas. I should like to inform my own family that I expect to join them for Christmas.
The House will be aware that in accordance with an Order of the Dáil today consideration of the Committee Stage of legislation in committees shall commence on 10 January 1994.
The Dáil adjourned at 4.5 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. on Wednesday, 26 January 1994.