I have just one matter to raise. However, on listening to the contribution on Brexit of a Fianna Fáil colleague, I note that I am in the unique position of having a vote in that referendum which I will use to put Ireland first by voting to remain. That is because, in the first instance, that is the best thing to do in the national interest and our interests as an island nation. There is, of course, another Union to stay out of on which I would love to have a vote, but I hope down the line, as allowed for in the Good Friday Agreement, perhaps the Seanad might fulfil the ideals of 1916 as outlined and work towards having a Border poll and democratically give everyone the right to assert national independence.

Ar an drochuair, is in ísle brí go gcaithfidh mé i dtús báire tragóid a tharla sa Fhrainc i rith na seachtaine le linn comórtas sacair Euro 2016, atá ar siúl sa tír sin faoi láthair, a ardú sa Teach inniu. As many Members will be aware, despite all the joyous revelry taking place in France during the European Championships this week, unfortunately we lost young Darren Rodgers from Ballymena while over there, when he tragically fell to his death. On behalf of all Members I am sure, I send sympathy to Darren's family, friends and all those who were with him.

I hope the Chair will indulge me as I intend to ask the Leader to do something unique and I will be brief. I refer to the fans who have travelled and represented both teams, and us overall, exceptionally well by their behaviour and conduct and in the revelry in which they have been engaged. However, Members will also be aware that the family of Lee McLaughlin in County Donegal has issued an appeal for people to keep an eye out for him. He is missing and his family is unaware of his whereabouts. We have a duty of care to thoe who travel overseas, in particular for major international soccer or rugby tournaments, to which such vast numbers of citizens travel. Perhaps the Ministers with responsibility for sport, both North and South, as well as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister, OFMDFM, might consider organising a concerted campaign on how to promote welfare, look after one another and engage with people back home. While I appreciate I am not seeking something specific, perhaps the Seanad might consider the welfare of citizens who are travelling abroad in such big numbers.

First, I congratulate the Cathaoirleach and the Leader of the House. I wish them both, as well as all Members, well. While they may have different views, they are a family in the work they are committed to doing as part of the Oireachtas. I wish to take a moment to remember a former Member of this House with whom I became very friendly many years ago, namely, Joe Doyle, and send my regards to his wife, Peggy, and family. He was a lovely man and I worked closely with him a number of times.

In respect of what happened in Orlando, in one way it absolutely and horrendously was an attack on a community. Members also must understand, within that horrendous context, that it was an attack on democratic participation.

Democracy guarantees that every life, no matter whose, is sacred and as valuable as anyone else's. I have been heard to say before that the issue of disability is not a sectoral one but a societal one. In the same way as for any group in society that is being attacked or not getting fairness, it is an attack on the whole of society.

It has been mentioned that this is National Carers' Week. I was pleased to have the opportunity to participate in its launch on Monday morning. I will bring two insights to the debate. First, the great majority of carers, up to 80%, are female. I put this thought to us all: what more practical way to support, liberate and encourage the full participation of women in society than taking the yoke of 24/7 care from them as best we can? The other point I make about caring is that one does not just become a carer and cease being a lover or relative - son, brother, father, mother or whatever else. It is something that comes with living, but it should not be something that absolutely consumes the person involved.

My being here is a function of receiving support from everybody from right across the political spectrum, not only the Members of both Houses but particularly local authority members. I was extremely struck - it was an eye-opener for me and is a reflection on some of the points made this morning - by the fantastic and often unsung work members of local authorities were doing and the commitment and heart they brought to it.

Every entity in the Oireachtas is in support of the ratification and implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which is to be ratified by the end of this year. My request to the House and the Leader is to ensure we can bring that flavour of inclusiveness for persons with disabilities, their families and carers into every debate and our every consideration.