Paddy Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Leader when he intends to make time for the House to debate the Inland Fisheries (Amendment) Bill, which has passed all stages in the Dáil. I understand there is a loophole in section 309 of 1958 Act that needs to be closed, so I want to know when he intends to provide time to deal with this.

I wish the Taoiseach the very best of luck in his retirement. He has done an outstanding job for this country over the past six years as Taoiseach and for the Fine Gael Party over the past 14 years as its leader. He took over a party that was depleted, wounded and in a very poor state in 2002. He welded that party together and we grew to be the largest party in the country in 2011 and in government from 2011 to 2016. He united the party, he united the country and he restored our international relationships.The Taoiseach can walk away from Government Buildings in the full knowledge that he has done a magnificent job for the country. He has left a great legacy, of which he, his constituents and party can be very proud. I wish him; his wife, Fionnuala; and their three children, Aoibhinn, Ferdia and Naoise, well. They have given a lifetime of public service to the country. The Taoiseach has served the people of County Mayo for 42 years. I have been involved in politics with him since 1979 when we were both elected to Mayo County Council. I have seen at first hand how he works on the ground, how he has worked in government and how he has led the country and the party from 1975 to this very day. I wish him well and his wife, their three children, his family and constituents in County Mayo the best of luck. He has a proud record.

I also wish the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, the best of luck on his retirement from Government office.