Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I join others in expressing my sympathies to the people of Orlando and the families and friends of those murdered and slaughtered there and ask the Leader to convey to the American ambassador the deepest sympathy of the House in respect of what has happened and all that can be done to prevent a recurrence.

This Thursday week, we face a major challenge in respect of the referendum in Britain, that is, Brexit. We have €1 billion a week in trade with Britain. It is our biggest import market and second biggest export market and we are its fourth largest trading partner. There are many Irish families living in Britain. Some may resent the fact we would intervene, but it would be helpful if we were to contact friends and relations in the UK over the next few days. This vote will have a major impact on the future of this economy as well as the British economy.

A number of former Ministers and Ministers of State are now Members of this House and they will realise what is involved in negotiations. I was involved in the negotiation of the Single European Act. Britain had a major input into that particular Act, as did Ireland. We worked together as a team in Europe. I do not think the British people have been sufficiently informed about the influence of Britain, the UK and Ireland in those negotiations, the co-operation we received in those negotiations and the benefit to both island nations on the edge of Europe.

It is vital that Britain remains in the European Union. The latest opinion polls are concerning. The Financial Timeshas just published that 44% of voters say they will vote to leave and 47% say they will vote to remain. There are a number of undecided voters and the next few days will tell the tale. This campaign has been led with propaganda, particularly on the "Out" side, which reflects poorly on the ability and the achievements of the United Kingdom within the European Union. I appeal to anyone with relations in that country to give them a ring in the next few days and ask them to vote to stay. It is in our interests and it is in the national interest and for the love of their country that they would vote to stay in the European Union.