Is Sinn Féin back in bed with the Progressive Democrats?

The Progressive Democrats, thanks be to God-----

They were in Fine Gael originally. Know the history.

I remember that.

Thanks be to God the Progressive Democrats have gone to Progressive Democrats heaven. We wish them well for Christmas.

The Senator should not be like that. There are more "progressive democrats" in the House than ever.

I was very pleased to learn that Fine Gael had its joint Christmas party with its confidence and supply partners. I hope they enjoyed it. That is the one advantage-----

The Senator is just jealous that she was not invited. It is the best party in town.

Senator Conway-Walsh to continue, without interruption.

They are very noisy and giddy today.

I do not know what it is.

Looking back, I think 2018 will be regarded as the year of the four Bs - bankers, bondholders-----

Brats.

-----Brexit and bailiffs. Brats as well. That is the only way to describe it.

Other than the bondholders, to whom did the Senator refer?

We have had lots of confidence and very little supply. That sums up what I have to say. There has been consistent support throughout the year for the bankers and bondholders with tax holidays and such. I am mindful, as Christmas approaches, of how many people are struggling to get by and pay their mortgages. There are no write-downs for them and they fear the bailiffs coming in January. We have to be mindful of those people. That is why I would have liked to see an end to this confidence and supply agreement so that people could have their say and these people, who are often voiceless in our communities, could say exactly what they want and see that there is a real alternative to what they are being put through.

I am distraught about the decisions being made in respect of planning permission. I just got notice that yet another planning permission has been refused by Mayo County Council. This is connected to the homeless and housing crisis. A couple I know are working in five jobs; they have two children and were trying to build on their land. They have been refused permission repeatedly. Games of power and control are being played out and not only in local authorities that will not allow people to build houses on their land. We are not talking about big mansions but modest homes for people's children on their land. We have to look seriously at this matter in the new year.

I want to finish on a good note. I wish everybody a happy Christmas and new year. I thank all of the staff of the House for the wonderful work they have done throughout the year and the Leas-Cathaoirleach and Cathaoirleach for the fairness they show in how they go about their business every day. I know that the Leader gets agitated at times but we will allow for that. This will be his first Christmas as a married man. He has mellowed a little-----

The Senator is hoping for more.

-----and we have to be grateful for the small mercies. I wish everybody a happy and peaceful holiday. Enjoy the break. I look forward to the new year.

I thank the Senator.

We have the challenge of Brexit, with the nonsense of the public schoolboys and the Eton mess, and other serious business to deal with in 2019.

Indeed.