Joe O'Toole (Independent)

The story of the flag reminded me of a great moment we experienced in the House about 15 years ago, when the Cathaoirleach's illustrious predecessor from Ennis, former Senator Tras Honan, was in the Chair.

Fianna Fáil had just sold the pass and blinked on the extradition issue. They were very sore at that, so my illustrious colleague, former Senator John A. Murphy and I started softly to sing "take it down from the mast, Irish traitor", until Tras lost it. It is still funny on this side of the House, although not over there.

I wish the Cathaoirleach, the Leas-Chathaoirleach and the team of people in the Chair a happy Christmas and thank them for their commitment and help throughout the course of the session. I pay similar respects to the Leader and, in particular, compliment the work done daily and in a most co-operative and open fashion by Mr. Eamonn McCormack, which has allowed the House to function efficiently.