Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Ba mhaith liom mo chomhghairdeas a ghlacadh le chuile dhuine atá ag obair sa Teach seo as ucht an obair atá siad á dhéanamh. I should like to join with the Taoiseach at this time of seasonal goodwill to extend, on behalf of my party, my thanks to the all the staff of this House for the work they do, bolstering our democratic system, the ushers, the editorial staff and the gardaí. I want to mention, in particular, the Clerk of the Dáil and his staff for their objective assistance to the Ceann Comhairle.

Deputy Kirk is a new person in that office. Many might have assumed we would be addressing a different figurehead, who since departed the Chair, for other reasons. I should like to pay tribute to members of the Fourth Estate, who have a job to do. Sometimes, those who read what they write might not like what they have written, but be that as it may I have the utmost respect for the democratic requirement as regards the publication of their views about what we say here.

It should also be noted that a number of people have retired from the service of the House in the past period. I am thinking of Padraig Ó hAilín, Eoin Faherty, Garda Tony Brophy and others who were here for many years. As it is close to Christmas, I remember being on a delegation, not a junket, to Israel many years ago in the village of Nazareth. I said to Mr. Ó hAilín, who was the commander of that delegation, that I should like to go to Cana to see where the wedding took place. He put a prohibition order on me immediately.

To the Members of the House, my party, Fine Gael and the Labour Party as well as to the Independents who support us I want to wish the very best. Finally, I extend seasonal greetings to the Taoiseach and members of the Fianna Fáil Party and the Green Party, as well as the Independents who support them. We have had considerable jousting in this Chamber and outside over the past 12 months. We will have more, but for now the Taoiseach may go to Copenhagen with my blessing. Tell the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government that work is proceeding on the incinerator at Ringsend in his absence. He should come home with the climate change agreement in his back pocket and be the man who has lifted Ireland onto the international stage, taking on those other people who are arriving tonight and assuring them that we are going to lead from the front.

Seriously, the Taoiseach should take a few days off. He needs to do that. If he is looking for me he shall find me deep in the recesses of the Nephin Beag range, clearing out my mind for the next period ahead when I look forward to good political debate and robust activity in this Chamber in the interests of our people. I conclude by wishing everybody the very best at this time of difficulty. Bearing that in mind, we should made the best of the Christmas. I thank the Ceann Comhairle.

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