Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I echo the comments of my fellow Members and extend my sympathies to the family of the late Private Seán Rooney. I come from a constituency that used to have three barracks in Mullingar, Longford and Athlone, with Custume Barracks in Athlone being the main barracks. There is a very strong military history in the area. A lot of service has been given to the Defence Forces from people in my county. I extend my sympathies to his family, colleagues and those serving overseas, including my cousin who is abroad with the Defence Forces. I wish those who were injured a speedy recovery.

Last week, the Cathaoirleach concurred with me when I wished Longford Slashers ladies football team well. I want to report that they were very successful on Saturday in Croke Park. The first all-Ireland club GAA title to be won by a County Longford team was brought home last Saturday night to Longford town by the Longford Slashers ladies team. It was a huge occasion both in Croke Park, where I was with my son, and in Longford town that night. We might be a small county but we like to bat above our level regularly. I say "well done" to them - onwards and upwards.

When I walk into Leinster House every day, I am extremely proud and honoured to be a Member of the Oireachtas. When I come in the door, I look at the Proclamation on the left hand side. It states that we need to honour "all the children of the nation equally". I have spoken about this previously. To me, a child born to a family through surrogacy is a child of our nation and it is important that we cherish him or her equally. I support the comments of Senator Seery Kearney and once again, congratulate her on the work she has done.

I assume we might get an opportunity tomorrow to say more about the Leader and the Cathaoirleach. I thank them for the support they have given to me, particularly in respect of my role in looking to get the Committee on Autism set up. They provided support behind the scenes to make sure that happened. The committee has made a lot of changes already, even without our report being finished next March. It has brought the subject to the national agenda, has stimulated a discussion and more acceptance of young adults or children with autism, and has rocked the system a bit to start making changes at third level, at primary level and through to section 37A, with more to come. I thank the Cathaoirleach and the Leader for their support not just for me but also for children and young adults throughout the country and their families to make sure this happens. I look forward to working with them in the term ahead. I thank Martin, Bridget and all the staff and ushers throughout Leinster House. It is an honour every day I walk in the door to deal with the excellent staff throughout the building, in the canteen and elsewhere. It is a joy to be here, to represent the people of Longford-Westmeath and to work here with good colleagues across all parties.