Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I echo the expressions of sympathy for the late Private Seán Rooney, his family and the wider Óglaigh na hÉireann community, which is a close-knit community. Private Kearney and the other soldiers who were injured must also be in our thoughts. Ireland has a proud tradition in peacekeeping and is the only county that has taken part in every UN peacekeeping mission. That is something of which we are very proud. When somebody gives his life in this way, it is right the nation should remember him.

Colleagues spoke of what they would like for Christmas. I am delighted that the Order Paper contains a motion on Ireland's membership of the European Council for Nuclear Research, CERN. I do not think there could be a greater Christmas present for Ireland's research community than for us to finally look at joining arguably the world's greatest scientific body. Working with the Leader, I hope we will see this happen in the new year. I am glad that the motion will be carried. I trust the Leader will sent it on to the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Deputy Harris. I hope that in his last act before whatever happens on Saturday, the Minister might push the matter a little further.

I echo the comments in praise of the Leader's work and leadership in this Chamber and of that of the Deputy Leader. They have provided leadership in terms of ensuring that we work collectively and have gone out on a limb at times in order to make sure that our voices are heard. That is appreciated.

The Cathaoirleach has been extraordinarily innovative in what he has done in the past couple of years. I hope the new Cathaoirleach will continue with that spirit of innovation and use this Chamber in an imaginative way, and that we will look at and implement elements of Seanad reform.

I thank Martin, Bridget and all of the Seanad staff, the ushers and everyone who works in Leinster House, including those who transcribe what we say. When we read it back, we often appear far more eloquent than perhaps we are on the floor of these Houses.

Senator Keogan is right that this will be a difficult Christmas. In many ways, however, it will be the first normal Christmas in three years. There are things we take for granted but we can appreciate them much more this year. I echo the wishes for everybody to have a happy Christmas and a peaceful new year.