The Ceann Comhairle, Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl, and the Taoiseach, Deputy Simon Harris, have led the traditional ceremony of lighting the Christmas tree on Leinster Lawn, starting the festive season in Parliament.
Musical entertainment has become a cherished staple of the annual tradition and this year the Wicklow Male Voice Choir, the Kildare Community School Choir and the St. Brigid’s Community Choir from Kildare town gave fine voice to Christmas favourites. The Garda Band were also on hand to provide seasonal music.
The event, led by the Ceann Comhairle and an Taoiseach, heard festive carolling and music making to banish the cold.
This year’s ceremony came between the dissolution of the 33rd Dáil and the first sitting of the 34th Dáil, with the Ceann Comhairle making special mention of new TDs in addressing the gathered Members and staff.