Eamonn Coghlan (Independent)

We are in the final seconds of the Order of Business for this term and tomorrow we go into recess.

After seven years of meticulous planning and preparation and an investment of approximately €11 billion, the games of the 30th Olympiad take place in London, commencing one week from tomorrow. The Olympic Games is an event that dominates the sporting landscape like no other event and for 16 days the world will be captivated by the extraordinary, brilliant and bizarre. Team Ireland will have 65 athletes represented in 14 different sports, which is a record level of participation for Ireland. That is a reflection of the wonderful investment that has been made by the taxpayer via the Irish Sports Council. I know for some athletes it has been a lifetime of preparation, dedication and focus. Some dreams will be realised but others will turn into nightmares. However, for some athletes, the difference between success and failure will be a matter of milliseconds. On the last day of this Seanad and as the only Olympian to have been invited to sit in this House, I feel it appropriate for me to wish Team Ireland the very best of luck in the Olympic Games.