Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I echo the comments of Senator O'Loughlin and thank everybody here, including the Cathaoirleach, Martin Groves, Bridget Doody, all the staff, the ushers and everyone who works here and in the background in Leinster House for the support they have given me and to Senators and Deputies. I wish everyone a healthy and happy Christmas. We look forward to a more positive 2022 after what has been a difficult year. We must remember those who passed away over the past 12 months. A number of my colleagues have had bereavements over that period, as I had myself last year. I extend our sympathies to them at Christmas, which can be a difficult time.

In regard to the booster jab, the Minister, Deputy Donnelly, announced an accelerated plan this morning. I look forward to receiving my booster jab. That is something I would recommend that everybody do. It is important that message comes from these Houses and that we ask people to make sure they get the booster jab to help our healthcare staff in the work they have been doing. I take this opportunity to thank our healthcare staff in all our hospitals, vaccination clinics and testing centres for the long hours and the hard work they have done over the past 12 months.

I am looking forward to the setting up of a joint Oireachtas committee on autism. I think it is on the agenda of the Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight later today. This is something I have been working on for probably 15 months, since I came into the House. I am delighted to see that is going to happen. More than 6,200 assessments of needs have been completed in 2021 as part of the progressing disability services, PDS, programme which has been rolled out by the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte. It is vital that we have a clear pathway for services for all children and that resources are used for the greatest benefit. Assessment of need is a central part of this. I pay tribute to the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, who is an excellent Minister of State in that position. From numerous discussions I have had with her, I can see many positive changes over the next 12 months.

As we come into the Christmas period, or the last ten days of it, I urge people to shop local. Shop in the local town and the local county. The hospitality and entertainment sectors, in particular, have been most affected by the reintroduction of restrictions. Buy a voucher for a show that might be on later in the year, or for a weekend or dinner out. It is important we support those industries at this difficult time.It is important that we support that industry at this difficult time.