Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

I wish to be associated with the compliments paid to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. I said earlier in the week that the contributions were a reflection of the compassion in this House. I could not help but reflect on Portia's famous speech in the "Merchant of Venice" as follows:

The quality of mercy is not strain'd;

It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven

Upon the place beneath: it is twice bless'd.

The Minister is blessed in one respect. We in this House can assume that we have been blessed also and that all sides have been helped.

In the context of the Easter break, which is a time of hope for Christians, and with the eyes of Ireland focused perhaps as never before on the Holy Land because the Irish team is playing Israel in Tel Aviv on Saturday, I am sure all sides of the House will join me in wishing them every success and hoping they come back with three points.