Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I will begin by going on the wishes trail. I thank the Cathaoirleach for his good wishes. In return, I wish him and his family a happy and peaceful Christmas. I thank him for his forbearing nature. He kept his sense of humour even when matters became slightly heated, which is very important in his job. I thank all of the parties and the leaders of each group for the various little interchanges we had to have outside the Chamber to settle some outstanding business which was going forward.

I thank Ms Deirdre Lane and her staff for their forbearing nature. They always seek to accommodate Senators, tell them things and help them along the way. We do not pay sufficient thanks to the parliamentary reporters in the House who must sometimes be bored to tears. They stay at their stations and faithfully record all that is said.

I would particularly like to thank Jimmy Walsh of The Irish Times. I know the Cathaoirleach will allow that. He is the only one who has his ear cocked when we are talking. We look forward to his reportage. I also thank RTE which, according to Senator Mooney, stated last night the Dáil and Seanad would be closed until 25 January, which is not true. The Seanad was not mentioned at all.

We nearly had a constitutional crisis this morning as the flag was not flying over the building when I surveyed it. Speedy Shay came into play and alerted the Army and the flag is now flying.