John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

I join other Members in wishing you, a Chathaoirligh, Members and staff all the compliments of the season. I particularly thank you, a Chathaoirligh, for the way you have conducted the affairs of the House during the session. The House has been run extremely smoothly for which the Cathaoirleach and Leas-Chathaoirleach can take great credit.

I join in paying tribute to the staff in the Seanad Office, the Clerk and Clerk Assistant for their work. On many occasions I have mentioned how under-resourced they are. The amount of work they do is not fully appreciated, particularly when the House sits late into the night on Committee Stage of Bills when they have to deal with hosts of amendments. When I sat on the Opposition benches and sought to table amendments, they were always helpful with their advice and willing to help in drafting amendments.

I also thank the Superintendent, the Captain of the Guard and the staff of the House who look after us so well. I acknowledge in particular the contribution Mr. John McCabe has made and wish him well in his retirement. When our offices were located across the road in Kildare House, he was always there. It is perhaps not widely appreciated that there were occasions when matters were quite difficult over there. Committee meetings and hearings took place which were rather fraught and generated much activity outside. John was always calm in the storm and looked after everybody. We owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude. I hope he will be very happy in his retirement. I also wish to thank the press and others who report the proceedings of the House.

I apologise for sniping at Senator Ryan. This would be a far less interesting place if he was absent.