Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I join Deputies Kenny and Gilmore in extending good wishes of the season to the Ceann Comhairle, the Clerk of the Dáil, the superintendent and all the support staff of the Houses of the Oireachtas. I also extend good wishes for Christmas to the Tánaiste and her colleagues in Government, and to the leaders and Members of the Opposition parties, including Independent Deputies.

This has been a difficult year for Government and Opposition. I reiterate the remarks I made earlier about our collective responsibility for charting a course through the difficulties currently presenting. I hope that approach is in evidence in the new year and that the House can accommodate opportunities to address issues of grave importance for ordinary people in their daily lives.

I conclude by extending good wishes to Members and staff who may not be well this Christmas. I have people in mind in making these remarks. I extend our good wishes to them and assure them they are in our thoughts and prayers at this time of the year.

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