Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

Ba mhaith liomsa, chomh maith, thar chionn Pháirtí an Lucht Oibre Nollaig shona agus athbhliain faoi mhaise a ghuí ortsa, a Cheann Comhairle, ar an dTaoiseach, na ceannairí eile agus le chuile dhuine a oibríonn anseo i dTeach Laighean. I join with the Taoiseach and the other party leaders in wishing a happy Christmas to the Ceann Comhairle, to all the staff of the House, the Taoiseach and members of the Government, all the Members of the House, the political parties, and all the staff who work for them, the press and indeed to the retired Members and staff of the Oireachtas.

I thought the Taoiseach was pushing it somewhat when he wished us a prosperous new year after the budget we have just had. However, in the spirit that he offered us the greeting of a prosperous new year, I should like to return the compliment to himself and the Government.

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