I wish the Tánaiste and her Government colleagues a very happy and peaceful Christmas. I commend and thank the Ceann Comhairle, the Leas-Cheann Comhairle and all the staff who work in the Dáil and its vicinity.

On a happier note, to show I am not Mr. Angry all the time, will the Tánaiste join with me in welcoming yesterday’s significant and historic breakthrough in relations between Cuba and the USA? Barack Obama, Fidel and Raoul Castro got together to end the embargo. Will the Tánaiste also join with me in commending Pope Francis I on his efforts in this regard which went on for several months? It is a major breakthrough. The Irish people have been pushing this agenda for many years. It is a historic day for me as I campaigned for the release of the Miami five. In case the Leas-Cheann Comhairle thinks I am out of order, this is covered by the mediation Bill. This historic day is good for world peace and international relations.

It is probably covered by the Christmas dispensation Bill.

Comrade Finian McGrath.

I am delighted at what has happened in the relationship been the United States and Cuba. The boycott of Cuba had been in place for more than 50 years and I am delighted to see it lifted. I wish prosperity and positive developments from this for the people of Cuba. I understand this is covered by the mediation Bill. The Deputy will know that last weekend we marked the successful conclusion of the meditation I initiated for Waterford Glass workers and their outstanding pension issues. There is a strong role for mediation in disputes, both large and small.

I wish Sinn Féin and the other parties good luck in the North in their budgetary talks which are critical for the overall discussions in the North.

I am so delighted that Deputy Finian McGrath and I are in a truce. I wish him and, most importantly, all his constituents a happy Christmas.