Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Bishop of Kerry dissociating himself from the remarks made by the parish priest. In view of the isolation felt by the victim of the sexual assault, I welcome that statement. I reiterate my call for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to examine what happened in the courthouse and the recent report of the Rape Crisis Network on the isolation of victims in sexual assault cases. Lessons have still to be learned and work remains to be done in this area.

This is the last sitting of the House in 2009 and what a year it has been. The faith, trust and confidence of the people in key institutions - the banks, the church and the political system - have been shattered. The year began with the banks being bailed out at a cost of billions of euros and it is closing with the cruellest budget which will take money from the most vulnerable. Approximately €8 a week will be taken from carers and the blind, while child benefit will be slashed.

It has been a year of huge contrasts and in the year ahead people will look for reform of our institutions. They will want to be inspired this is happening because they have lost faith, particularly those on the dole who face a bleak new year. The challenge for us, as politicians, is to foster reform of our institutions in the year head in order that people will have faith in politics again. That means reform in how we do our business, how we deal with expenses, the number of sitting days and accountability. The Government parties must treat the Houses of the Oireachtas with respect and introduce appropriate legislation in a quick and timely manner. We must have discussion on the issues of the day in a timely manner. The cutting of allowances will be a bitter pill to swallow when the people see €6 billion or more going to Anglo Irish Bank, which is a reflection on the Government's policy.

I thank the Cathaoirleach for his work this year. I also thank the Clerk, the Clerk Assistant and all the staff in the Seanad, the Captain of the Guard, the Superintendent and the ushers who facilitate us in doing our work. In particular, I thank Mr. Jimmy Walsh of The Irish Times who reports on the work of the House. I would also like to remember the families of the late Senators Tony Kett and Peter Callanan. I wish all Senators a happy Christmas and new year.