Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Ormonde for her kind wishes.

I join with all colleagues in wishing the Cathaoirleach, the Leas-Chathaoirleach, the Clerk, the Clerk Assistant, the Captain of the Guard, all the ushers, of course, Mr. Jimmy Walsh who never fails to report us on The Irish Times, the Whips and the leaders of the groups, the Senators, in particular, and their families, and all who assist us here, the reporting staff, as has been said, the sound and technical engineering staff, a happy and holy Christmas. I look forward to the challenge once again to assisting our nation get out of the downturn and the recession and look forward to working in the interest of our country with all Senators on 12 January, when it is hoped that we will have the climate change Bill on the Order Paper for our deliberations.

Like colleagues, I welcome all the job announcements this week. There were 75 more new jobs announced for Letterkenny yesterday. There were 115 announced for Galway yesterday-----