I agree with Senator Paschal Mooney on the proposed British Airways-Aer Lingus merger. The irony is that the British regulatory authorities have ruled against a merger between Ryanair and Aer Lingus. Was this done in order that their own national airline can take over Aer Lingus? I hope the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, will protect Ireland's national interests. The current actions by the competition authorities in the United Kingdom to oppose the Aer Lingus-Ryanair merger while also restoring the cartel that previously operated between British Airways and Aer Lingus are not acceptable to this country. I commend Christoph Mueller and his staff for turning the airline around.

Like Senator Aideen Hayden, I commend the Taoiseach for his efforts to persuade Mario Draghi to appear before the banking inquiry. The role of the ECB is a crucial aspect of the inquiry, but the bank has displayed an unacceptable level of arrogance in this regard.

As this is our last Order of Business before Christmas, I wish the Cathaoirleach, the Leader and the staff of the Seanad every happiness for Christmas and thank them for their courtesy in facilitating the operation of this House in such a splendid manner. I wish them the very best for 2015.