Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I join Deputy Kenny and Deputy Quinn in congratulating the Leas-Cheann Comhairle on serving 44 years. I wish him many more years in Leinster House, if that is what he wishes. It does prove that politics is not necessarily bad for our health.

I wish to clarify something as I have been asked to do so by the staff involved. Deputy Kenny referred yesterday to a party that cost €40,000. That party was paid for by the staff involved. They have asked me to clarify that.

See this speech in context