Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Dec 2024

The next item of business is the selection of the Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann – Ceann Comhairle Dháil Éireann a roghnú. I will now proceed to the secret ballot in accordance with Standing Order 6.

I must inform the House that, having received and examined nominations for the position of Ceann Comhairle, the following is the list of validly nominated candidates: Deputy John McGuinness, Deputy Verona Murphy, Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl and Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh.

As there is more than one candidate, the candidate who will be proposed for election by the House will be selected by secret ballot. Before proceeding to the secret ballot, I will in alphabetical order call on each candidate to speak on their own behalf, or where the candidate has been nominated by another Member to speak on their behalf, I will call on that Member. Each Deputy will have five minutes. I now call on Deputy John McGuinness.

A Chléirigh agus a chairde, ar an gcéad dul síos, is mór an onóir é dom gur éirigh liom ainmniúchán do phost an Cheann Comhairle a fháil. Gabhaim buíochas dóibh siúd a thug an t-ainmniúchán dom. Gabhaim míle buíochas freisin do gach feisire a bhí sásta labhairt nuair a bhí mo chanbhasáil ar siúl. Molaim an sárobair a rinne na Teachtaí Seán Ó Fearghaíl agus Catherine Connolly. Gabhaim buíochas leo.

I stand here as a candidate for the position of Ceann Comhairle. I have the greatest respect for that office and for the democratic processes within this House. I know there are two sets of opinions here. There is the view that political parties can nominate and suggest to their members how to vote and, in a way, control the outcome. I have a different view which dates back to 2016, when it was decided that the Ceann Comhairle could be nominated by seven Members and the vote would be conducted by secret ballot. I have served since 1997. I have been Minister of State for trade and commerce, Chairman of the Committee of Public Accounts and, more recently, Chairman of the finance committee. In my work on those committees I found that you achieve best by co-operating with the members and by working as one to achieve an end, whatever that end might be.

During the course of the Committee of Public Accounts, many harsh decisions had to be made in respect of how we conduct our business, the election of the Chair and so on. I was there for history to be made when Shane Ross contested against me. Unusually, it fell to the Opposition to fill that Chair, but there was a contest. In working together, that committee saw the resolution to problems that were faced by the likes of Maurice McCabe. The committee saw a resolution, or part of a resolution, to an issue relating to the Grace case, and to the 47 others who were affected by sexual, physical and financial abuse. In more recent times, the finance committee came together to deal with matters such as vulture funds and the tracker mortgage issue, where we were told in the beginning it was 3,000 cases and it turned out to be 50,000-plus cases. All of that work was achieved not by me; it was achieved by all of the members of each of those committees working together to achieve what was best in the interest of the State and in the interest of the individuals concerned. I am saying this to the House today because I believe what is best for the Members of this House is to work together to first ensure you have a Parliament here that will function in your interests. If it functions in your interests, it will, therefore, function in the interests of the people you represent.

Through my years of public service, I have seen where the Dáil Chamber can often be sidelined and I have seen where Members can often be sidelined. Those who are in Government parties are often referred to as being part of the Government but actually there are times when the Government can be just the Cabinet and there are times when the Government can be just the leaders of the groups in that coalition. Because of that, I believe this House has to exercise its strength and its caution around all of the changes that have occurred in politics over that time.

I ask Members as individuals of this Parliament to consider the nominees before you today, protect the interests of this House and the interest of democracy, and elect the best person you see fit to hold the position of Ceann Comhairle to defend your interests and the interests of the people we represent. The last general election told us that we need to build trust with the citizens of this country. We need to restore that trust. I believe the first step in the restoration of that trust is the election of our Ceann Comhairle to reinforce the changes in our democratic structures in the interests of the people we represent and to ensure we work together to deliver for our citizens, keep the Government accountable to this House, ensure transparency and ensure the Government keeps its people safe.

I thank the Clerk. I wish to thank the people of Wexford who once again have put their trust in me to represent them. It is an honour and a privilege to do so. I take this opportunity to thank my colleagues in the Regional Group for the confidence they have placed in me, nominating me for the position of Ceann Comhairle. I pay tribute to the outgoing Ceann Comhairle, in particular for the kindness and guidance he has shown to me and many other Members since his election in 2016. Whatever the outcome of this election, I wish my fellow candidates well. Whoever is elected will have a challenging role. I congratulate all of you, the elected Members of the Thirty-fourth Dáil, on your successful election. The multi-seat constituency electoral dynamic tends to incite an unhealthy competition among colleagues within constituencies, leaving most battle-scarred. Former Wexford politician Avril Doyle once described politics as the last blood sport. From speaking to Members in the past week, that would appear to be a very appropriate description. For those of us who were successful and elected, the wounds will heal quickly. For those unsuccessful candidates who put their names forward and did not succeed, the scars may linger. Either way, they are to be commended on allowing their names to go forward.

Chambers such as these are the lifeblood of a functioning democracy. Having succeeded in being elected, we are now the voice of our communities in this forum. We come into the House to make known the fears, concerns and aspirations of our constituents and to legislate accordingly. We communicate on their behalf the policies they want addressed. In putting forward the views of our constituents, we make known the needs of the people to those who govern. In order to ensure that every Member is heard, this House must function smoothly and efficiently. Every Member is equal, irrespective of their political persuasion, political party or grouping. Every Member has a mandate and no one mandate is more important than the other. If elected as Ceann Comhairle, I will uphold these simple principles.

Much debate has been heard regarding the turnout in the recent election. In many constituencies the turnout dropped below 50%. Large numbers of people in the electorate feel alienated from the political process. They feel that politicians are removed from the reality of day-to-day life. They feel that this Chamber is a talking shop that achieves nothing. It is incumbent on all of us to change that perception and to make the House more relevant to those who feel excluded. If elected, I want to engage with all Members to explore the options available to us to reform the way we conduct our business so that ordinary people feel their voices are being heard. The constituents who elected us have a right to see a fair and transparent democracy in action every time they observe our parliamentary debates and legislative work.

In the previous Dáil I served as sub-chair and deputised for the Ceann Comhairle. In that regard, I believe I carried out my duties with respect and impartiality.

Generally, my time in the Chair passed without incident, with the exception of the day a certain Kerry TD decided to serenade me with a poor rendition of a Cork song — figure that. At least his phone was turned off. I believe this experience has prepared me for the position.

If the House chooses to elect me as the first female Ceann Comhairle in the State, it will signify a diverse, inclusive and forward-looking Thirty-fourth Dáil. If elected, I will execute the office of Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann without fear or favour.

Politics is never boring, anyway. It is a very long time since I have had the opportunity to address the House from up here. I spent many years on these backbenches. The place looks a lot different when viewed from here than from the Chair below, where I sat for a while.

A Chléirigh na Dála agus mo chomhghleacaithe, is breá liom an deis seo a fháil cúpla focal a rá roimh an toghchán tábhachtach atá ag teacht. Gabhaim buíochas leis an mbeirt a d’oibrigh liom sa Dara Dáil is Tríocha agus sa Tríú Dáil is Tríocha mar Leas-Chinn Chomhairle, is iad sin Pat the Cope agus Catherine Connolly. D'oibrigh an bheirt acu go dian dícheallach agus, gan amhras, is daoine ionraic, macánta iad. Is beirt iad a bhfuil fealsúnacht acu atá bunaithe go hiomlán ar sheirbhís poiblí.

Today, I address the House with immense pride and appreciation of having had the privilege of serving as Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil. A little over eight years ago, I stood before this House as a candidate in the first ever secret ballot for a truly impartial and independent Chair. At the time, I spoke of the need to respect all Members equally and to work on behalf of the Parliament every day to protect and promote the Dáil as a vital institution in Irish life. That has always been my objective, undertaken in a manner that was, I hope, respectful and inclusive, regardless of political differences, working closely with Members from all sides.

Together we have achieved a great deal, including a newly established Business Committee that gives every party and group an input into the work programme; a new and independent Parliamentary Budget Office, which advises us on the outcomes of public expenditure and the cost of proposals that are put before the House; an enhanced Office of Parliamentary Legal Advisers, which gives, in particular, to backbenchers of the Government and of the Opposition the chance, resources and support to be legislators in a way that was never possible previously; and annual parliamentary symposiums on the pressing topics of the day, such as mental health, forums on a family-friendly and inclusive Parliament, parliamentary privilege, and safe participation in public life. The work we have done has shown that when we choose to work together with a respectful and collaborative approach, we can and will succeed.

I always intended to stand down after two terms as Ceann Comhairle, but in the final days of the previous Dáil, people from across the political spectrum, for whom I have great personal respect and admiration, began to approach me. They asked me to consider standing again to provide continuity and stability and to play a significant role in smoothing the transition from the Thirty-third to the Thirty-fourth Dáil. After careful reflection, I decided to put myself forward. I am wondering today if that was such a good idea after all. My candidacy on this occasion is time-limited and has a particular focus. As we sit here today, we have 75 Members of the House who did not sit in the previous Dáil. My aim is to ensure we support them to settle quickly into parliamentary life and become effective parliamentarians who represent their constituencies and their country to the very best of their considerable abilities.

The process of Dáil reform, which I have already referenced, is not yet complete and, crucially, within the next two years, we have an opportunity not only to safeguard the reforms we have made but to build on them and enshrine the primacy of the Dáil as the true centre of Irish political life on the domestic and international stages. There are many challenges facing this House on which we must take a lead. It is within our power to address the critical issues of the day, to build on the progress in housing, to continue with the development of our health and education sectors, to take the necessary initiatives to strengthen and forge new relationships with the incoming Trump Administration, which has so much potential to impact us, and to address collectively on behalf of our people the murderous regimes of Putin, Netanyahu and other dictators, while keeping a careful eye on the significant shifts in the political landscape in many of our European neighbours. As we look to the North, I am particularly proud to have reactivated the North-South Inter-Parliamentary Association, which, as envisaged in the Good Friday Agreement, has the potential to build ever-stronger North-South relations on this island.

Within the lifetime of this Dáil, we have an opportunity to build a new Ireland based on mutual understanding and respect. All of us in this House relish that challenge and the opportunity it presents. As regards the body politic itself, all too often people looking in at us here in Leinster House do not feel engaged in our political system or processes. At times they are frustrated and feel disenfranchised. It is up to us to change that. Forty per cent of our people did not vote in the general election. We must aim to include and not exclude; to engage and not isolate. To change this, we need to come together and overcome what are very often relatively minor difficulties between us.

Colleagues, today the House faces a difficult choice. In Aengus, Verona and John, you have three other candidates for whom I have the height of respect, having worked with each of them for many years. I acknowledge their calibre, ability, commitment and contribution to Irish political life, and the visions they have today set out.

Those of you who know and have worked with me in the past know what I stand for and how I will work. To those of you I have not yet had the privilege of working with, I make the same promise I made when I first stood for this office. I pledge to be resolute, to provide steadfast support for you, to work for you each day, to treat you all with equal respect and dignity, and to ensure your voices are heard. As far as the new Members are concerned, theirs are voices for change and I will ensure they are heard in this new Dáil. Together we can continue to work and strive to make this Parliament the best possible version of itself and to ensure it is worthy of the trust and respect of the great Irish people who have sent us here to serve.

Gabhaim buíochas ach go háirithe leo siúd a chaith vóta dom sa toghchán is déanaí agus a thug an deis dom teacht ar ais go dtí an Dáil don séú huair mar Teachta Dála do Bhaile Átha Cliath Lár Theas. Mo bhuíochas le mo bhean agus mo chlann, na tacadóirí agus iad siúd a chaith vóta ar mo shon le linn an toghcháin sin. Ní sin an fáth a bhfuil mé ag seasamh os bhur gcomhair, áfach, ach ag lorg bhur vóta sa toghchán atá romhainn.

Tá bród orm seasamh anseo ainmnithe ag mo pháirtí chun dul san iomaíocht le bheith mar Cheann Comhairle ar an gCeathrú Dáil is Tríocha. Smaoiním, agus mé ag seasamh anseo, ar an gcéad Cheann Comhairle ar an gCéad Dáil, Cathal Brugha, agus an lá cinniúnach a bhí ann nuair a léigh sé an "Fhaisnéis Neamhspleádhchuis" thar ceann na Dála agus an náisiúin. Rinne sé é sin as Gaeilge ar dtús báire. Tá an Ghaeilge an-tábhachtach dom, don náisiún agus don fhóram seo, an Dáil. Is í ár dteanga náisiúnta í agus príomhtheanga oifigiúil an Stáit de réir Bhunreacht na hÉireann. Tá sé tábhachtach go mbeadh Teachta ar bith in ann an Ghaeilge a úsáid agus a labhairt agus muinín acu go ndéanfaidh Ceann Comhairle an lae an ceart sin a chosaint agus na rialacha a chur i bhfeidhm ar chomhchéim leo siúd a bheidh ag labhairt as Béarla. Tá sé tábhachtach go léiríonn an Ceann Comhairle ceannaireacht chun an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn sa Teach seo agus lasmuigh, más féidir.

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta Seán Ó Fearghaíl as na hocht mbliana a chaith sé ag tabhairt faoin dualgas sa ról sin, áit ar chuir sé an Ghaeilge chun cinn i gcónaí. Guím gach rath air agus ar na hiarrthóirí eile ag lorg an phoist seo inniu. Seo ceann de na deiseanna atá ag Teachtaí Dála aonaracha seasamh a ghlacadh chun cinntiú go mbeidh an Dáil seo neamhspleách ar an Rialtas. Tá scileanna ar leith de dhíth chun an post seo a chomhlíonadh i gceart.

There are key skills for the Teachta Dála who is to be entrusted with the position of Ceann Comhairle, the 20th Ceann Comhairle since Cathal Brugha opened the Chéad Dáil as Gaeilge 105 years ago. He or she should have those skills. As I mentioned as Gaeilge, in a bilingual House with two official languages we need a Chair who can monitor and, if necessary, step in and apply the rules and protections of this House equally to everyone, whether it be as Gaeilge nó as Béarla. The first official language of the State is Irish. The Irish text of our Constitution and the laws trumps the English versions for legal purposes. The most senior officer in this House should be competent in that language and be able to guide and assist others with the language too.

Every Teachta Dála deserves a Ceann Comhairle who knows and understands the Standing Orders and procedures well enough to vindicate their rights from the get-go. Most importantly, the Ceann Comhairle must be an impartial Chair who, rather than seeking the limelight for himself or herself, facilitates Members across the House coming together in a constructive manner, in the best interests of all the people. He or she must unquestionably be independent of government. This is vital to ensure the primacy of the Dáil and your rights as a Teachta Dála, whether as a Government backbencher or Opposition TD, to hold Ministers accountable, defend the interests of your constituents and ensure the public trust in our democratic institutions and the checks and balances.

As a parliamentarian, you are being asked to choose the person you think best suited to hold this high office, which is not in the gift of the Taoiseach of the day. There are people in this room who are diametrically opposed to what I believe in. We have been together, though, on parliamentary delegations, representing what is best for Ireland. We have been on Oireachtas committees, working together for the best outcomes, or in this Chamber, on opposite sides of the argument, but we are still friends, so much so that I cheekily reached out to some of those on the opposite benches looking for a vote. I hope, given that it is a secret ballot, that many will cast a vote my way today.

It is important that we have a Ceann Comhairle who reminds us to have regard for each other. We are all humans with families and feelings. We need to respect each other, respect the mandate each and every one of us in this room has to represent the people and respect the fact that we are legislators. We might not always agree and we can be boisterous in this Chamber, but there is no need to be hurtful or downright hateful. We can have, and have had, a long parliamentary tradition of debate and disagreement in a civil way. Our committee system in this Oireachtas shows that we can work together for the betterment of all.

I believe I have demonstrated my abilities in chairing the Dáil on many occasions in the last Dáil and in chairing Oireachtas committees over the last number of Dáileanna. My membership of parliamentary friendship groups and the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly demonstrates my ability to be fair to all, to listen, to give everyone time to develop their point and to implement the rules with no favour. I have been a member of the Committee on Standing Orders and Dáil Reform and the Committee on Procedure and Privilege, now called the committee on parliamentary oversight. I have been a whip in this House for 18 of the more than 22 years that I have been here. I have been on both those committees for more than 22 years. I have been on many other committees in this House. I have demonstrated and learned in those times the respect for parliamentary procedures and also respect for each and every one who is sitting here in front of me, and those who were not elected and have left this Chamber on this occasion.

I ask you today, when casting your vote, to ask yourself who will stand up for the primacy of this House. Go raibh maith agaibh.

Go raibh maith agat, a Theachta Ó Snodaigh. That concludes the contributions from the candidates. We will now ring the bells for six minutes, and when they stop we will proceed to the secret ballot. When the bells have stopped, all of the doors into the Chamber, except for the two on either side of the Ceann Comhairle's chair, will be locked. I would ask all Members to retake their seats when the bells have stopped.

I now ask the ushers to lock the doors, except for the two on either side of the Ceann Comhairle’s chair, which will remain open. The ushers will shortly direct Members to proceed to the voting lobby at the back of the Chamber to cast their ballots. I ask that Members remain in their seats until directed by the ushers. Before the voting begins, I call on the Captain of the Guard and Head Usher to confirm that the ballot boxes, which are to my left and right in the voting lobby, are empty.

The ballot boxes are empty. We are now ready to start the ballot. Voting will proceed, row by row, starting with the first row to my left, and moving to the right, as directed by the ushers. In order to reach the voting lobby, Members should use the central staircase immediately in front of me. For health and safety reasons, I must ask Members not to queue on the staircase, as the stairs are very steep. The ushers will direct you to ascend when the staircase is clear. When directed to do so, please proceed by the central staircase to be issued with your ballot paper. Officials in the voting lobby will ask you to confirm your name. They will cross your name off the register and issue you with a stamped and embossed ballot paper. There are eight voting booths in total; four each on the left and right at the top of the stairs. Members with surnames beginning A to H should go to the left at the top of the stairs and members with surnames beginning I to Z should go to the right. The ballot will be counted under the proportional representation single transferable vote, PRSTV, system. Accordingly, you may number the candidates in the order of your choice.

If you inadvertently spoil your ballot paper, you should present it to me. I will inspect the ballot paper and may decide to allow a replacement paper to be issued. In such cases, I will retain the original ballot paper and issue a certificate in order that another ballot paper can be issued from the officials in the division lobby.

When you have finished casting your vote, please come back to the floor of the House via the side stairs to my right and left. You may either resume your seats or leave by way of the doors behind me.

In my opinion, all Members intending to vote have now cast their ballots. The ballot is concluded and the votes will now be counted. The counting of votes will take place in the Seanad anteroom, which is open to everyone who wishes to attend, space permitting. We will start the count at 12.15 p.m.

The sitting is now suspended until 3.30 p.m.

In accordance with Standing Order 7(3), I inform the House that Deputy Verona Murphy is the successful candidate selected by the secret ballot for the position of Ceann Comhairle. I now put the question that Deputy Verona Murphy, who is the successful candidate duly selected by secret ballot by the Members of Dáil Éireann, be elected and do now take the Chair of the Dáil as Ceann Comhairle.

I am humbled, honoured and privileged to serve as Ceann Comhairle of this great State. When it was first proposed to me by Deputy Michael Lowry if I would consider a nomination from the group as Ceann Comhairle, my initial thought was how it would affect my ability to represent the people of Wexford, and whether he was serious at all. Having consulted with my team and supporters, however, they gave me a resounding endorsement and insisted I pursue the nomination. To the people of Wexford, I want to say my office is open and normal service resumes after the Christmas holidays and will be maintained and improved. To my colleagues in the Regional Group, it was a pleasure to be part of it. I thank my colleagues here today for their support. I undertake to be fair and impartial, to be even-handed and even-tempered in the Chair. To the general public, I hope to be a reforming Ceann Comhairle, like my predecessor, and make the operations of the House more relevant in terms of the way it affects people day to day. I take on board the comments today and I undertake to improve my Irish to a level that is commensurate with the office I now hold. To my staff in Wexford, I say a huge "Thank you" for all your hard work. To my family here present, I say a huge "Thank you" for your support, which has been unrelenting. I thank the Clerk of the Dáil, Mr. Peter Finnegan, and the staff of the Houses. I also thank the staff in the catering service of the Houses, which is a very important aspect of the job, and we are looked after to a very high standard. I wish to thank everybody sincerely and now get on with the proceedings of the day.

I call the Taoiseach, Deputy Simon Harris, to make a short statement.

Thank you very much, a Cheann Comhairle. I will start by congratulating you on your election. It is a great honour to serve as Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann, as the Speaker of our Parliament and as custodian of this House. I know you will serve with diligence, impartiality and decency. I think we know you are from Wexford from those opening contributions, and I know that is very important to you too. I join with you in thanking the outgoing Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghaíl, who served for eight years with absolute distinction and brought a great sense of pride to all of us in the Houses.

It is not lost on any of us that Deputy Murphy makes history today by becoming the first female Ceann Comhairle. That is a long-awaited milestone moment in Irish politics. I sincerely wish you all the best as you discharge your duties.

Colleagues, as we gather here today, I want to pay tribute to each of you for securing the support of your families, friends, neighbours and constituents and for securing your own individual mandate to serve in this, the Thirty-fourth Dáil. I particularly pay tribute to all 64 of our new TDs, including 23 from within my own Fine Gael Party, who take their seats here for the first time today. This is a moment none of us ever forgets - the moment we for the first time take our seats in this House. I know it is a source of immense pride for you and your families. It is the greatest honour to serve as a representative of your community. I genuinely wish each and every one of you the most fulfilling experience here in Leinster House.

If I can offer any advice, it is for all of us to remember that we are but temporary custodians of our positions. We are here to serve the people who vote for us and the people who do not. Please do enjoy today. Celebrate this moment with those who support you, who knocked on doors for you, who canvassed for you. To all those who have been re-elected to this House. I offer my sincerest congratulations, as well as to all those who worked so hard for you. While we may differ across this House on policies and politics, every single person in this House is democratically elected and each of us takes our rightful place as a Teachta Dála today. I hope we can find common ground to work together on the issues that matter most to people and that, where we differ, we can engage in respectful debate and set that tone for the Thirty-fourth Dáil, starting here today. I acknowledge and thank all those who ran in the election and were not successfully elected to this House. Today is a difficult day for them and we think of all of them as well. I particularly pay tribute to the 18 Fine Gael TDs who retired at the last election.

A Cheann Comhairle, as Deputies are aware, discussions are ongoing among parties and individual Members of this House on the formation of a new Government following the general election. It is very clear to all that those discussions are ongoing and it will take some time more for them to be completed. Therefore, it is unlikely that there will be a new Taoiseach elected or a new Government formed today. For that reason, I do not propose that my party will make a nomination for Taoiseach today. In accordance with the precedent set in 1989 and followed thereafter, I informed President Higgins this morning of my resignation as Taoiseach and that of the Government. In accordance with Article 28.11 of the Constitution, I will continue as Taoiseach until a successor has been appointed and likewise all members of the Government and the Government as a whole will continue to carry out its duties until a new Government has been appointed and elected by this House, too.

I want to reassure people that Government will continue to function and will work for people and in their interests while the work is ongoing to form a new Government. In that vein, I will be travelling later this afternoon to Brussels for this evening's meeting of the EU-Western Balkans summit followed by a meeting of the European Council on Thursday, where I will take an opportunity to discuss many pressing matters. I will do so after an election campaign where we heard clearly from our people that they wish to see a stable Government with a fresh focus on deliveries that matter to them. We all heard across this House about the cost-of-living crisis remaining real in the lives of many and that much needs to be done to support small businesses at a time when the protection of our economy must continue to be paramount. We heard clearly from people that there needs to be a step change in the delivery of disability of services, particularly children's disability services and special education. We heard clearly about law and order needing to prevail and people wanting to feel safer on our streets. We know that we must all work together to make much more progress on the greatest challenge, that of the delivery of housing and the key infrastructure needed to support it and to ensure we continue our prosperity as a nation. We know the geopolitical challenges that we face, a Cheann Comhairle, and which will require a strong, stable Government with a coherent programme and a fiscal and budgetary strategy to be able to help those who need it in the here and now and invest in longer-term services and infrastructure. I want to thank everybody who has worked so hard in the outgoing Government for all of the work they have done in many areas. I am proud of much of the work that has been achieved. There will be time for that on another day.

As we head towards Christmas and the new year, I know that many people in this House will be thinking of those much less fortunate in war-torn parts of our continent who are suffering horrifically in ongoing conflicts. When I travel to Brussels this evening they will be foremost in my thoughts and in my engagements. I want to tell this House one thing with absolute certainty. No Government of any country, especially one which is engaging in the most amoral and brutal onslaught of innocent people and terrified children, will intimidate or silence anyone in this House or this Government when we seek to speak up for peace, human rights and respect for international law. A Cheann Comhairle, political debate in general and debate in this Dáil can often be characterised by division but on the issue of the war in Gaza and the suffering of the people there, I believe we are united. I am very proud that Ireland speaks with a strong voice and it is one which cries out for a ceasefire, for the release of all hostages, for the flowing of humanitarian aid and ultimately for the peaceful coexistence of Israel and Palestine as two states.

Before I conclude today, I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone in this House well over the Christmas period. As I said earlier, we are temporary custodians of this House but the staff across Leinster House are the lifeblood of this place. To everyone who plays a role in the functioning of the Oireachtas, in the canteens, the restaurants, the bars, the ushers, the transcribers, the Clerk and all of the staff who work so hard, I want to wish you and your families a very happy Christmas. This has been a busy political year with three elections, a local, a European and a general election, a referendum, and leadership changes in many parties. It is time at the Christmas period to take a breather and take a break. Let us come back with a view to electing a new Government with a clear mandate to deliver for the people.