Paddy Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Before calling on the Leader, I wish Jody Blake, the Clerk Assistant, a speedy return to good health from her recent illness. I also thank the Clerk, Deirdre Lane, and Martin Groves, who has been thrown in at the deep end in recent weeks. I also thank Debbie Canning, Jason Kiernan and Aisling Hart in the Seanad Office for the tremendous work they have done in the face of their heavy workload in recent weeks. I also thank and wish a good holiday to the staff of the House, who are tremendous to work with. Finally, I wish the Secretary General, Kieran Coughlan, a good and happy retirement. He was both Clerk Assistant and Clerk of this House from 1984 to 1990 before becoming Clerk of the Dáil and subsequently becoming both Secretary General and Clerk of the Dáil. He has been an outstanding public official over many years and Members wish him well in his retirement, as well as a happy and long retirement.