Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)

I speak on behalf of my party leader and party colleagues. The party leader, unfortunately, had to attend a meeting of the surprisingly busy ethics committee. I wish to reiterate the Christmas greetings to the Ceann Comhairle and the staff of the House for the patience and fortitude that have been extended to Members during this session. When the House returns in 2006, it will undoubtedly be a somewhat more frayed session, the voices will be higher and louder and tempers will become more frayed. However, that is the future and now is the time for expressing seasonal felicitations and wishing all Members a happy and peaceful season.

I extend those wishes to the staff such as the porters who facilitate the day-to-day running of the House. I look forward to returning to a different Dáil and perhaps a more exciting and useful Dáil in 2006.

See this speech in context