As the Leader did not offer Christmas wishes in his opening remarks, I did not do so either. I echo all of what has been said by other Members in wishing the Cathaoirleach, the Leas-Chathaoirleach, the Clerk of the Seanad and the Clerk Assistant, the staff of the Seanad Office and the indispensable and indestructible ushers, without whom the House would not function, all the joys and blessings of the holy season.

I also take the opportunity to wish everybody a happy Christmas.

Senator Paschal Mooney has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, "That a debate with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport on the future of Aer Lingus and the continuing need to maintain a national stake in the airline be taken today." Is the amendment being pressed?

In the light of the Leader's reply which indicates that the Government would be happy to sell a strategic asset which might also indicate a willingness to sell Irish Water, I am pressing the amendment.