Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The colours are a different matter.

We had raised Senator Alice-Mary Higgins' matter yesterday and I supported her, she may remember, at the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. I believe the events of 31 January were once-off. Members will know it is to commemorate the sitting of the first Dáil. It is important to allow that to go ahead. The point made by the Senator on the role of the Seanad is well made, and it is one we can reflect upon.

As the Leader of the Seanad, and on behalf of all Senators, I extend our best wishes to a very popular member of staff, Keith Langan, in the Dáil bar who is to marry his bride to be, Collette, next week. I wish them both well and hope they have many years of happiness. We all agree that Keith is one of the most popular members of staff here. He is a very courteous and professional young man and we wish him and his new wife every success in their years together.

I extend seasonal felicitations to everyone.

I wish all my colleagues a very happy and peaceful Christmas and thank them and their staff for their courtesy to me. I offer the group leaders and Whips in the House my thanks for their co-operation. Go mór mór, I thank the Government Whip for her patience and diligence. I thank the Office of the Cathaoirleach and the Cathaoirleach himself for their wonderful assistance. I thank the staff of the Seanad Office who do a tremendous job on our behalf, and wish them well. I thank the men and women who serve us in the Oireachtas, the ushers, catering staff and people who work in all parts of the House, especially the sound technicians and parliamentary reporters, and Jeremy who counts our votes as well. I thank them all for their good work during the year. It is my intention at the end of today's business, whether we adjourn at 3 p.m. or 7 p.m., to propose that we come back on Tuesday, 22 January 2019. Mar focal scor, guím Nollaig shona agus athbhlian faoi mhaise do chách.