Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I join other Senators in congratulating the Irish football team on a wonderful and deserved win against Italy last night. It was a superb match and the team played great. Like many others, I and my small daughters who play soccer were glued to the television. We all wish the team the best of luck on Sunday when we play France. I agree with Senator Norris that the sight of the President celebrating at the match was wonderful. It was also a good day for Galway United since our Head of State is also its number one fan and has a long track record of interest in and enthusiasm for football.

On a more serious note, on the day that Britain votes on the referendum on membership of the European Union, I speak again in support of the "Remain" side. As with other university Senators, I have a large number of constituents who have a vote in the referendum and I have been doing all I can to urge them to vote "Remain". I know the Irish community in the United Kingdom is generally in favour of Britain remaining in the EU. It is in Ireland's interests, including our economic interests, and the interests of the social Europe we all wish to see progressed that Britain votes to remain in the EU.

Many of us attended an event in Buswells Hotel yesterday organised by the One Foundation at which we met the foundation's youth ambassadors. It was an interesting event in terms of international development and solidarity issues. I commend the One Foundation and other non-governmental organisations such as Oxfam on organising an event at 4 p.m. yesterday on the Ha'penny Bridge which a number of us attended to remember Jo Cox and celebrate her legacy in a minute's silence.