Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join the expressions of sympathy with the people of South Africa on the passing of Nelson Mandela. Many things have been said about him and no words of mine would be adequate to describe his greatness or his contribution to the world. President Obama described him as the last great liberator of the 20th century. South Africa lost the father of the nation, a man of vision and a great hero. He was a man of great of humanity and forgiveness who, despite being incarcerated for 27 years, worked to bring about peace in his country. He has left his mark on the world and we need to build on his legacy. I support the request to the Leader to arrange for statements to be made in his honour this week. In the longer term, we should debate with the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade how the Mandela legacy can have an impact on the parts of the world that are being ravaged by war and strife. The greatest tribute we could pay to Nelson Mandela would be to create something lasting.

I congratulate the State's industrial relations machinery on brokering an agreement that will ensure we have power supplies over Christmas and that the elderly and businesses will not be discommoded. The fear that people would be without electricity over Christmas has caused considerable distress in recent days. I refer in particular to the elderly. It is time for a debate on what needs to be done to protect vital infrastructure in this country. This is an area of discussion in which the House can play a significant role.