Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I also wish Senator O'Malley and our longstanding colleagues in Government, the Progressive Democrats, a happy and holy Christmas. I thank my colleagues in Fianna Fáil, which is the majority party in the House, for their co-operation, understanding and assistance. I would like to mention the Government Whip, Senator Wilson, and his assistant, Senator Glynn, in particular. It is great that we are here, in this position, in the week before Christmas. I thank the superintendent of the Houses, the Captain of the Guard, John Flaherty, and the rest of the staff of the Oireachtas for the kindness, courtesy and hospitality they have shown us at all times. I am sure the new Members of the House, in particular, appreciate the great co-operation they have received and the open-door facility that has been made available to them.

I thank Michael Conway and the rest of the staff of "Oireachtas Report", who ensure that the people of Ireland know about the great work that is taking place here. I thank Jimmy Walsh, whose great coverage of this House features in The Irish Times after each sitting day.