Feargal Quinn (Independent)

Television is a powerful medium, never more so than last night for those of us who watched Deputy Michael Noonan speak about his dear wife. Everyone must have been in tears. It is a reminder to us of the need to look after the elderly, especially those who are unable to look after themselves.

I thank the Leader for drawing the attention of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to the point I made some ten days ago about biomass and the price of miscanthus. The matter had been delayed since last January and some 300 or 400 farmers were left waiting. Last Tuesday the Minister responded to the Leader's request and moved on it.

As the debate on the actions of Israel will take place tomorrow, I do not intend to speak on the matter now. I hope, however, that we will have a logical debate and also take into account the concerns of Israel, a country which has seen 10,000 bombs land on its territory from Gaza. It has requested that any ships heading towards Gaza be examined to ensure there are no bombs on board. I do not defend in any way the steps taken by Israel, but it is an understandable reaction for that country to state it will not allow ships into Gaza without first being examined by it. It has offered a method by which this can be done. Let us hold a debate tomorrow, but let us have balance.