Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I extend Christmas greetings to you, a Cheann Comhairle, the Members of the Dáil and Seanad and their families, the Clerk of the Dáil, the staff, the ushers and to all who help to make this institution function each day. I also extend season's greetings to the political correspondents who attend and report on the proceedings here each day. I join my colleagues in wishing everyone a happy Christmas because it is deserved by everybody. I am conscious that, regrettably, not everyone is likely to have a happy Christmas so we are mindful of those at the coal face and their important work helping those most in need and facing difficulties at this time. I am also conscious that many young people will not be here for Christmas with their families, perhaps for the first time, as a result of having to emigrate over the past 12 months. Those who will not be able to return include the undocumented Irish in the United States and those in other parts of the world who cannot afford to travel home to be with their families.

I join the two Opposition Members in hoping that 2011 will see a new start politically for this Chamber. A new beginning will, please God, offer new hope and opportunity for our people, which they are desperately in need of at this time.

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