Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

—people will reflect on and think about a resumption. I doubt greatly that I would find a Minister today to attend a debate in the House on the partnership talks. If we are realistic, we will know this quite well. They have lives like the rest of us. While I take the Senator's point that he wants a Minister to attend, I do not know where I would find one, especially an appropriate one.

I will not repeat all the Christmas wishes, because it would become boring. I note that every Member who contributed referred to John McCabe.

Senator O'Toole, who deals with such matters in one of his places of employment, defended proper pay arrangements and benchmarking. I do not doubt that the Senator will be having meetings on the side and engaging in clandestine arrangements during the Christmas period. I remember such meetings and arrangements from long ago and they always worked well.

The refusal to issue junior certificates, a matter to which Senators O'Toole, Kitt and Ulick Burke referred, is the most mean-spirited gesture I have heard of in many years. It was wrong to deliberately withhold the script of paper that confirms a child has passed particular subjects. I will speak directly to the Department of Education and Science today to find out its policy on this.

Senators Ryan, Dardis and Norris referred to the leaked document on Northern Ireland and voiced their concerns on the matter. We will convey the concern of this House to the relevant Minister. Senators Ryan and O'Toole rightly stated that the public service is very underrated and is of fine value to the country.

Senator Higgins stated that he wants a Minister to come before the House today to make a statement on the pay negotiations. He also raised the issue of the remuneration, which seems to be quite low, of the Romanians he met. That is a matter for the Tánaiste who is very keen to come to the House.

Senators Mooney and Mansergh mentioned how the Minister and the public servants acquitted themselves in a most handsome manner during the period of our membership of the Security Council. This reflected well on our country and we will convey his remarks to the Minister.

I thank Senator Norris for his good wishes. The Senator spoke about licensing matters and called for a debate on health.

Senator Minihan paid tribute to the people who work in the emergency services, particularly those who serve overseas and are far from home over the Christmas period. He asked if a message could go to the Garda Commissioner and the Army Chief of Staff.

Senator Bannon mentioned the homeless strategy. Homelessness is a very acute matter and I hope we will be able to discuss it in the new year.

Senator Ross displayed nice manners in thanking Senator White for her sweet wishes.