Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish the Tánaiste and her Government colleagues a very happy and peaceful Christmas. I commend and thank the Ceann Comhairle, the Leas-Cheann Comhairle and all the staff who work in the Dáil and its vicinity.

On a happier note, to show I am not Mr. Angry all the time, will the Tánaiste join with me in welcoming yesterday’s significant and historic breakthrough in relations between Cuba and the USA? Barack Obama, Fidel and Raoul Castro got together to end the embargo. Will the Tánaiste also join with me in commending Pope Francis I on his efforts in this regard which went on for several months? It is a major breakthrough. The Irish people have been pushing this agenda for many years. It is a historic day for me as I campaigned for the release of the Miami five. In case the Leas-Cheann Comhairle thinks I am out of order, this is covered by the mediation Bill. This historic day is good for world peace and international relations.

See this speech in context