Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have just one matter to raise. However, on listening to the contribution on Brexit from a Fianna Fáil colleague, I note I am in the unique position of having a vote in that referendum, which I will use to put Ireland first by voting to remain. This is because, in the first instance, that is the best thing for our national interest and our interest as an island nation. There is, of course, another Union to stay out of which I would love to have a vote but hopefully down the line, as allowed for in the Good Friday Agreement, perhaps the Seanad can fulfil the ideals of 1916 as outlined and work towards that Border poll and democratically give everyone the right to assert national independence.

Ar an drochuair, is in ísle brí go gcaithfidh mé i dtús báire tragóid a tharla sa Fhrainc i rith na seachtaine le linn comórtas sacair Euro 2016, atá ar siúl sa tír sin faoi láthair, a ardú sa Teach inniu. As many Members will be aware, despite all the joyous revelry taking place in France during the European Championships this week, unfortunately we lost young Darren Rodgers from Ballymena while over there, when he tragically fell to his death. I send, on behalf of all Members I am sure, sympathies to Darren's family, friends and all those who were with him. I hope the Chair will indulge me as I intend to ask the Leader to do something unique and I will be brief. I refer to the fans that has travelled and which has represented both teams, and us overall, exceptionally well in their behaviour and conduct and in the revelry in which they have been engaged. However, Members also will be aware that at present, the family of Lee McLaughlin in County Donegal has issued an appeal for people to keep an eye out for him. He is missing and his family is unaware of his whereabouts. We have a duty of care to our people who travel overseas, in particular for major international soccer or rugby tournaments to which such vast numbers of citizens travel. Perhaps the Ministers with responsibility for sport both North and South, as well as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, OFMDFM, can consider a concerted campaign on how to promote welfare and looking after one another and how to engage with people back home. While I appreciate I am not seeking something specific, perhaps the Seanad can consider the welfare of citizens travelling abroad in such big numbers.