It has been the tradition in the House down through the years that on this occasion party Leaders say at few words. I wish you, a Cheann Comhairle, and all the staff a very happy Christmas. I thank you and the staff of the House for their work throughout the year. I also thank every Member of the Oireachtas and their staff. We have a large staff and it is not always possible to thank them and give them our regards, but I do so on this occasion.
To my fellow party Leaders, Deputies Harney, Bruton, Quinn and Sargent, I wish them and their families a very happy and restful Christmas. I also wish the Independent Members of the House a happy Christmas.
I wish the Superintendent well. I am glad to hear he is making a good recovery from what has been a very serious illness. I am told he will back in the House next week, which is good news.
I thank the Captain of the Guard for his work. I also thank the Clerk of the Dáil for all his work throughout the year. I thank the gardaí, the ushers and members of the Army who look after us here day in and day out, many of them on a 24 hour roster throughout the year.
I wish a happy Christmas to distinguished members of the media who report on the proceedings of the House and to all who watch the proceedings on television. I am told we did not break the TAM rating records during the course of the year, but nonetheless they were substantial.
I thank all the people who worked on the extension and renovations to the House during the year.
All the Members of the Oireachtas, the TDs and the Senators, are all due a good break over the Christmas period.