Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join in the tributes to our colleague, Tom Hickey, who is retiring today. In my 13 years as a Member of this House I found that Tom had an inability to say "No" to any request which is a testament to him. I would often come at the last minute for that tour I had forgotten to book and he would always accommodate it. One day David Blunkett was in Dublin and he called in to visit me in the House. It caused a bit of a diplomatic incident, but Tom took control of the situation. The former Home Secretary of the United Kingdom had a great evening here in Leinster House as result of the courtesy and professionalism of Tom Hickey. I wish him every success in his retirement.

Thank you, a Chathaoirligh, Martin, Bridget and their staff for all your help. I wish all members of the parliamentary community a happy and safe Christmas. We will reconvene here at whatever date in January and continue the important work we do here in the Seanad.