I agree fully with everything Senators Ivana Bacik and Michael Mullins have said about the falling unemployment figures. It is very welcome news and I do not think we wish to see any halt or decline in that trend due to anything that might happen in the very near future.

I compliment Senator Mary Ann O'Brien on her fine words and comments about our revered Senator Feargal Quinn, which are well deserved.

With all this talk of a possible Brexit, I hope the arrangements worked out between the European Union and the British Prime Minister, Mr. Cameron, are worthy and acceptable to Mr. Cameron, his government and his people. I have just returned from Belfast and the warning I received in the past few days was of the dangerous implications for all of us but particularly for those living along the Border, if a Brexit were to happen. I am sure Counsellor Maxwell who was with us recently and being a Border man will appreciate this even more so. There are huge implications. I spoke to a lot of knowledgeable people and there is huge concern. I hope we all have friends and relations across the water because, as we know from elections here, every vote is vital. I wish them well in that regard.