PN 04/06	December 7, 2006

PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS FIRST CHRISTMAS TREE ARRIVES

The arrival of the first Christmas tree to be placed at the foot of the steps to Parliament Buildings was today welcomed by the Speaker, Mrs Eileen Bell, MLA.

The installation of the fourteen metre Norway spruce was also attended by Mr John Joe O'Boyle, Acting Chief Executive of the Forest Service. Department of Agriculture Permanent Secretary Mr Pat Toal and the Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service Mr Nigel Hamilton also joined the Speaker to see the first Parliament Buildings' Christmas tree placed in position.

The Speaker said: "My thanks to the Forest Service for kindly offering the Assembly this magnificent tree. It is a stunning specimen and will surely add just the right touch of festive spirit to the front of Parliament Buildings. It is my wish to ensure this building offers a warm welcome to as many local people and visitors as possible. Next Tuesday the lights of the tree will be switched on at a ceremony attended by choirs, schoolchildren and other guests from all over Northern Ireland and I hope this will become a joyous annual event as the Christmas celebrations begin in earnest."

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's Forest Service provided the tree from its Randalstown Forest, one of a number of locations where trees are grown to supply towns and villages throughout Northern Ireland.

Note to Editor -

The ceremony to switch on the Parliament Buildings Christmas tree lights will take place next Tuesday, December 12. Music for the occasion will be supplied by local schoolchildren and choirs.