Sharon Keogan (Independent)

I too want to be associated with the comments relating to Senator Chris Andrews and our Independent colleague in the Dáil, Deputy Barry Heneghan, who is also on one of the flotillas as well. It says a lot about the character of the people who go on these missions. It shows us who they are as individuals and activists. They are willing to go to whatever lengths it takes to try to do something in this madness.

Today and yesterday are very holy days in Israel, believe it or not. All of the Jewish people celebrate Yom Kippur. They are among the holiest days in their calendar. They are days of atonement and take place over yesterday and today. It says in Leviticus, "For on this day, He will forgive you to purify you and you will be cleansed for all your sins before God". I certainly hope that those who have caused all these killings and genocide will reflect on what they have done, no matter what God or prophet they follow. It is absolutely horrific what the people of Palestine and those experiencing genocides throughout the world are going through. Whether it is taking place in Sudan, the Congo, or elsewhere, they are too numerous to mention.

I want to thank the Government for something else. The MetroLink railway order came this morning. It is absolutely a fantastic piece of infrastructure that this country has been looking for for the past 25 years. I think it was first mooted in 2001. It was announced this morning and will be 19 km in length and will run from Swords to Dublin’s city centre. However, I am really concerned about the €2 billion that has been allocated for it because the Government has said that it will be establishing a dedicated State delivery body for the MetroLink. I do not want that €2 billion to be eaten up. I hope they set out some parameters in relation to how they are going to spend that money and just get on with building it. Well done to the Minister, Deputy Darragh O’Brien, and the Government for putting this project on the books to get done.