Paddy Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Before I call the Leader I join my colleagues in wishing everybody a happy Christmas and a prosperous new year. I pay tribute to the Leas-Chathaoirleach and all the Acting Chairmen for doing a wonderful job throughout the year. I thank the Leader of the House, the Leader of the Opposition, the leaders of the groups and the Whips for a very good year. I also thank the ushers for the great courtesy they show, the reporting staff who do a wonderful job, as has been outlined, the sound staff, who do a magnificent job, the media, including in particular Jimmy Walsh for reporting the House everyday and "Oireachtas Report", on which the Seanad gets a mention from week to week, and the library staff who provide great expertise and backup to Members. I thank the Clerk of the Seanad, Deirdre Lane, and the Clerk Assistant, Jody Blake, my secretary, Aisling Hart, and Debbie Canning, Rachel Breen and Karen Warren. I wish everyone a happy Christmas and a prosperous New year.