Colm Burke (Fine Gael)

It is easy to be opposed to things in opposition but it is extremely helpful and welcome that he has come on board and has been extremely supportive of the referendum. I also acknowledge all members of the Fianna Fáil party in this regard. Like all Cork people, we stick together and after last Sunday in particular, when Mayo was not as lucky, the Cathaoirleach has realised this.

Members raised the issue of a 16-year-old girl earlier and I now wish to refer to a 16-year-old girl from Cork, who was born without limbs and whose motto is, "No limbs, no limits". Last week, she addressed the International Telecommunications Union of the United Nations on the importance of being positive and about seeking solutions to problems rather than sitting back and expecting someone else to sort them out. I pay tribute to her, as well as to her family and school for the manner in which they have helped her to achieve amazing progress in a short time. My point really pertains to leadership and I note many people have complained to me about comments I made last week about people who do not turn up to work without a reasonable excuse. It is to a person like that, who has taken on and faced such challenges, that one should look to provide leadership in Ireland and Members should acknowledge what she has done in a very short space of time.