Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I commend the heroic efforts of the Minister for Finance yesterday in diverting traffic on Ormond Quay. I hope the unfortunate person knocked off her bicycle makes a full recovery.

The House has made its decision to rise until 16 September. The tradition is that I should take this opportunity to wish the Ceann Comhairle, as presiding officer of the House, some serenity and peace in the weeks ahead. I would also like to thank the members of the staff of the House for their unfailing courtesy to both visitors and Members.

I also pay tribute to the members of the Fourth Estate for their continuous interest in what happens in the Chamber and in the machinations of politics. I hope the Ceann Comhairle, in his capacity as chairman of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission, can deal with the business of structural deficiencies in this ancient house of the Geraldines to allow the members of the media prompt and quick access to those people with whom they love to talk in and around the corridors of Leinster House.

My wish was that the House would have sat for another week but I cannot change that. If those who have left the Chamber already are getting their buckets, spades and sandals ready, I hope they will still focus on the real problems with which we have to deal.

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