Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach. I congratulate him on his election as Cathaoirleach of the Seanad and look forward to working with all colleagues across the House on various issues during the term of this Seanad.

I also wish to be associated with the expressions of sympathy to those affected by the Orlando killings which were terrible. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those in the LGBT community and all those affected by these horrible killings.

I call on the Leader of the House to arrange a debate on the future employment skills needs of the country. As the economy recovers, we see employers struggling to find workers with the appropriate skill sets to fill the vacancies being advertised in locations throughout the country. As a former apprentice, this is an area that certainly needs review and reform. We should always be evaluating and considering lifelong learning, reskilling and training, but there is a particular need for this now, especially in the construction sector where there is a lack of apprentices coming through in the various trades, as the economy recovers and demand increases. It is important that we have a debate in the House and that we bring in the various Ministers responsible for education, employment and job creation and have an in-depth analysis of current and future skill needs not only in Dublin but in all regions. We need to improve the language capabilities of students who are qualifying, given the job opportunities available to them. It is another area in which there are huge job opportunities for the country. I ask the Leader to make provision for a debate in this House on skill needs and future requirements and demands.

I join others in expressing my sympathy to the people of Orlando and the families and friends of those murdered and slaughtered there. I ask the Leader to convey to the American ambassador the deepest sympathy of the House.

On Thursday week we face a major challenge in the Brexit referendum in Britain. Our trade is €1 billion a week with Britain which is our biggest import market and second biggest export market. Ireland is 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 United Kingdom in the next few days. The vote will have a major impact on the future of this as well as the British economy. A number of former Ministers and Ministers of State are now Members of this House and 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 Act, as did Ireland. We worked together as a team in the European Union. I do not think the British people have been sufficiently informed about the influence of the United Kingdom and Ireland in those negotiations, the co-operation we received in the negotiations and the benefit to both island nations on the edge of Europe. It is vital that Britain remain in the European Union. The latest opinion polls are concerning. The Financial Times has just published that 44% of voters say they will vote to leave, while 47% say they will vote to remain. There are a number of undecided voters and the next few days will tell the tale. The 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 the national interest and for the love of their country that they should vote to stay in the European Union.