Dan Boyle (Green Party)

On the final matter raised by Senator Alex White, the memo has not been brought to Cabinet yet. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government did not attend the most recent Cabinet meeting; he is otherwise engaged in Copenhagen. I will make him aware of the Senator's concerns.

The year 2009 has been very significant. As pointed out by previous speakers, the House sat more days and longer in those days and dealt with more legislation than it had previously. It is very important that during a time when our very purpose has been questioned by significant people in the political system we can say we have made achievements and that the House is a valuable part of our constitutional make-up. It is necessary, especially as we come to 2010 and the uncertainties that lie ahead of us, that we have that strength of purpose and confidence to which other speakers referred.

We are beginning to see chinks of light at the end of the economic tunnel we have been in. We do not know how long that tunnel is or when we will eventually reach that light but there are turning points and collective action in our political system will bring us to where we need to be. God knows we have had to make very difficult decisions and we are living with the political consequences of them, but as a Government representative I believe them to be the right decisions and we will see how effective they are in the long term.

I join in the wishes expressed by the Leader of the Opposition. I thank the Cathaoirleach, most of all for his forbearance. My contributions seem to be a magnet for some Members.