James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

I join the Tánaiste in her comments to you, a Cheann Comhairle. I thank the ushers, the staff in the restaurant and staff throughout Leinster House. I also thank those who have retired this year, especially the head usher, Mr. Shay Byrne. I thank members of the media and wish them a happy Christmas and all the political staff, particularly the Fine Gael Party staff. I thank and wish all our Deputies a happy Christmas and, as the Ceann Comhairle put it, an eventful new year. I also wish you, a Cheann Comhairle, a happy Christmas.

Special mention should be made of public sector workers who will be working hard in trying circumstances over the Christmas to keep us safe and well and to keep our services running. I wish them well. I should also mention all the families who are finding this time of the year so difficult, particularly financially, and those who have lost loved ones. I wish all our citizens a happy Christmas and a bright new year, with the new hope a new year and a new Government can bring. We all look forward to a brighter future for our people.

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