I welcome friends of Senator McCarthy, namely, Darius Tindere and Barry Cassidy. They are both welcome to Seanad Éireann.

I echo the words of my colleague, Senator O'Loughlin. Our thoughts are with all those who lost their lives. It is such a difficult time in Bondi Beach. I would also like to recall the two heroes who saved countless lives by tackling those gunmen. It gives me a little bit of hope for the true spirit of Christmas that they may have saved lives.

Thinking of heroes, I urge people across the country to look towards the community groups and volunteer groups who will try to make Christmas a little better for people. People are struggling. Not everybody will have a happy Christmas, though they would love to. Do not wait until a bucket is shaken under your nose. Go to your local Vincent de Paul or community group. See how you can help. Donate toys to toy drives, etc. Make sure you are helping in whatever way you can to provide a happy Christmas to people in need.

With that in mind, I will mention some in my home town of Drogheda. The Drogheda Rotary Club and the Drogheda Soroptimist Club have for 19 years held their remembrance tree appeal. It will be found in the Laurence Shopping Centre on West Street and in the Southgate Shopping Centre. They have collected funds over the years for many groups. This year is for Drogheda community centre, Drogheda and District Support 4 Older People and Meals on Wheels. It is an amazing cause. If you see something like that in your community, make sure to support it.

The Fairytale of Dundalk is in An Táin on 22 December and is raising funds for the North Louth Hospice. Unfortunately, tickets are sold out but please dig deep and help any community group across the country that you can support to make Christmas better for those in need. Go raibh maith agaibh.