Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

I wish the Taoiseach well for his European Council meeting. Perhaps he can return with a clear Government position on climate change before breaking for Christmas.

I wish the Ceann Comhairle and the staff who keep the Houses of the Oireachtas working in such an efficient manner, notwithstanding all the challenges and unsocial working hours, a happy Christmas. On behalf of the Green Party, An Comhaontas Glas, I reciprocate the Christmas greetings to the Taoiseach and Deputies Kenny and Rabbitte. I hope that goodwill will extend beyond political differences and keep us focused on the challenges that face us. These go beyond any single party or the term of any Government, the energy crisis being the one that springs to mind most often.

The spirit of inclusiveness is reflected in the amount of colour on the Christmas tree on Leinster Lawn. It is indicative of an inclusive spirit that has descended on the decorators as well as on the Taoiseach. That the predominant colour is green is incidental, it is nonetheless interesting to see such a festively decorated tree compared to the bland but attractive colour schemes of previous years. Perhaps there has been a change of thinking.

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