I join in the seasonal greetings and thank you, a Chathaoirligh, for the exemplary manner in which you have carried out your functions. There is a great spirit in this Chamber, much of which is attributable to your approach to the running of the House, with your great patience, your sense of humour and your ability to put people down painlessly when they deserve it. I thank the Clerk, the Assistant Clerk and all the staff for the very smooth way in which this House runs. I thank the ushers, the press corps, especially Jimmy Walsh for his coverage of the proceedings of the House, and those involved in "Oireachtas Report". I thank the Leader for his help during the year and his Whip, Senator Tom Fitzgerald, without whom the House would not run nearly as smoothly as it does. I thank the other groups on this side of the House for their co-operation.
I say a special word of thanks to my colleague, Senator Joe Doyle, who, as we know, will not be back in the House. Others of us may not be back either – that is a hazard of political life. Over the years, Senator Joe Doyle has won a special place of affection and respect from everybody and all parties in the House. This is his last time as shadow chancellor to deal with the Appropriation Bill in the House and I was concerned that his doughnut of support may not have been as effective as it might have been – more of his colleagues should have been present for his speech this evening. We wish him all the very best. I extend seasonal greetings to everyone and thank you, in particular, a Chathaoirligh.