Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

Self-praise is no praise. Will the Tánaiste join me in sending the congratulations of this House to the Irish cricket team on its tremendous sporting achievement? In that regard, has the Government considered the great additional financial burden that will be imposed on it as a result of reaching the last eight? I am advised by Deputy Seán Ryan, who was no mean cricketer in his day, that there will be great additional cost as a result of Ireland qualifying for the Super Eight stage. Perhaps the Government will have regard to that by facilitating the cricket team's extended stay for the remaining seven matches.

Does the Tánaiste now consider it appropriate that he apologise on behalf of the Garda Síochána to Mr. Frank Shortt?

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