Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I understand many colleagues in the House would love to have a hospital of its calibre in their areas. We are fortunate.

Senator Donohoe called for a debate on the benefits of passing the Lisbon treaty which confers new powers on both Houses. This call is timely and I will have no difficulty in allocating time for such a debate.

Senator Walsh called for a debate on the right to life. Particularly at Christmas time and in the light of the birth of our Saviour, this call is timely. I have already agreed with Senator Cannon that we will have a debate on tourism.

I wish the Cathaoirleach, his wife and family a happy and holy Christmas. I wish the same for the Leas-Chathaoirleach, Senator Paddy Burke. I thank both of them for the way they have conducted the affairs of the House. Under their stewardship, we are certainly in safe hands.

I thank the Clerk, Ms Deirdre Lane, and the Clerk Assistant, Ms Jody Blake, for their kindness and courtesy. I also thank their staff for looking after us on an hour-to-hour and day-to-day basis. I offer my best wishes to the Captain of the Guard, Mr. John Flaherty, and the kind and friendly ushers who look after us so ably and well under his stewardship. I also offer my best wishes to the Superintendent, Mr. Paul Conway, and everyone else who looks after the security of the House; to the media and those in the communications centre who record the events of the House; to the stenographers who look after us and, of course, the sound engineers who always capably switch on the red lights when we speak; to Mr. Jimmy Walsh who relates our affairs in The Irish Times; and to all our friends on "Oireachtas Report" at RTE who let the people know about the great work that takes place and the high standard of debate in the Oireachtas.

I thank the leaders of the groups for their kindness, courtesy, understanding and assistance in taking the very many difficult decisions we had to take. I also thank them for accommodating the long sittings in the House. I thank the Government Whip, Senator Wilson, and the Deputy Government Whip, Senator Glynn, for their efforts. I thank Senator Cummins of Fine Gael, Senator Quinn on behalf of the Independents and the Labour Party for all their assistance.

I personally thank the Deputy Leader who helped me so ably and well and is the backbone in all of the dealings in the House. He also takes the Order of Business from time to time.