Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join colleagues in wishing the Cathaoirleach a very happy and peaceful Christmas. I take this opportunity to thank him and all the wonderful staff of the House. We are all united in complimenting all the members of staff with whom we interact. We receive nothing but courtesy, co-operation and assistance from those at every level in the organisation. We should be very proud of the staff who work here in Leinster House.

It has been a fantastic year for Seanad Éireann. We have engaged in some wonderful debates and there have been some very interesting and, at times, robust exchanges. The public consultation sessions were most informative, helpful and innovative. The country made good progress during 2012. We have steadied the ship of state and achieved modest growth in respect of both the economy and employment. As previous speakers stated, we ended the year on a high note in the context of the negotiations relating to fishing quotas. I compliment the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney, in this regard and I echo the words of praise directed towards the Marine Institute, which has its headquarters in Galway and the CEO of which is Mr. Peter Heffernan. The work done by the institute ensured that we obtained the very best possible outcome from the negotiations. The Minister, Deputy Coveney, was very gracious when he paid tribute to those at the institute this morning.

I am of the view that 2013 is going to be a wonderful year. We will have an opportunity to build on the positive things that happened during 2012. When Ireland assumes the Presidency of the EU, it will be operating on the international stage. We will also have the opportunity to make significant economic progress in 2013. I urge all colleagues to remain safe on the roads during the Christmas period. In addition, all of us should keep an eye on vulnerable people during the holiday season. We should also think of those who are less fortunate than ourselves.