Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle) | Oireachtas source

Before moving to the Order of Business I take this opportunity to wish all Members and staff of the Oireachtas a very happy, peaceful and restful Christmas. I include in this colleagues who are unwell at present. This has been a tough year, with many contentious issues, but regardless of people's views and what side of the House they are on, we are all here to do what we think is best for the country.

The families of Members are often forgotten and I wish them a very happy Christmas. They are sometimes the unpaid assistants at home, answering the phone and the door to constituents with problems. I also wish staff in constituency offices around the country a very happy Christmas. I take this opportunity to thank Ms Gráinne Barrett and all the staff in the restaurants, as well as Mr. Darren Brady and the bar staff, and wish them a very peaceful and enjoyable Christmas with their families. I am sure everybody would agree we are very well looked after by all and I hope these staff will enjoy a very well deserved rest.

To the Superintendent, the Captain of the Guard and all the ushers and service staff who provide an invaluable service to all, I say that we truly appreciate their assistance throughout the year. I wish them a very happy and peaceful Christmas. I also thank the staff of the Oireachtas Library and Research Service, together with the communications unit, which provide great assistance both in communicating a message to the public and in helping Members to prepare for consideration of legislation. We are also very reassured at times by the ongoing presence of members of An Garda Síochána and the Permanent Defence Force in and around the House, and we greatly appreciate their dedication and commitment to duty. I hope they will have a very happy and peaceful Christmas with their families.

Last but not least I mention the members of the press in Leinster House, who endeavour to be fair even though at times it does not seem that way to all of us. They are doing their best in their jobs. I wish everybody a very happy and restful Christmas and I hope to see everybody in 2014 fully refreshed and ready for what will be a very busy year. Thank you.

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