Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I wish the Cathaoirleach, the Clerk, the Clerk Assistant and all the staff of the House a happy Christmas. I also compliment the reporting staff and the sound engineers who do a fantastic job throughout the year. In fact, the record is second to none. Of any parliament in the world, the record of the Irish Parliament, including all the contributions made in this House, is the best. It is a very difficult task and I compliment the Editor of Debates and the staff. I wish all the other staff and all Members of the House well in the year ahead.

It is regrettable that many excellent people are leaving public life. I very much regret the fact so many fantastic women Deputies have decided to leave, such as Deputies McManus, Upton and Enright.