Go raibh míle maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle, nó a Chathaoirligh. Bhí mé sa Teach mícheart ansin - gabh mo leithscéal.

I want to expand on and ask the Leader about some of what my group leader, Senator Rose Conway-Walsh, outlined in terms of the Taoiseach's remarks at the MacGill Summer School at the weekend. The remarks were very welcome. They were very positive and progressive in terms of what they could do for the people of the island. They followed on similar remarks made by the leader of the Fianna Fáil Party at the weekend. Particularly in this year, given that in the last few weeks and months we all stood at gravesides and monuments the length and breadth of the country, we should all be persuaders for Irish unity. I use that term in a very considered manner. We cannot operate in silos in respect of this very important matter. It is very encouraging to hear a broader consensus come to the fore on this issue of such importance. I want to expand on, reiterate and support the remarks by Senators Mark Daly and Kevin Humphreys about the need for the plan to be considered, nuanced and informed. There is deep concern in the North, particularly among the 56% of people who voted to remain, that we will be marooned with a Government that is austerity-driven in its ideology and which has punished ordinary citizens in the North in the past couple of years. We could invite the authors of the report modelling Irish unification to address this House and its Members. This is a comprehensive study carried out by very highly regarded economists from North America and Europe who have identified that in the first eight years of reunification there could be a €35.6 billion boost to all-island GDP. That is just in the first eight years. As someone who is in danger of being marooned with that London economy, that is very hopeful to me. Mar fhocal scoir, it is vital that we get the Taoiseach to come to the House. We are in the midst of considering these issues. It is a live matter that is affecting us all. It is important that we hear from the Taoiseach on that national dialogue. We have heard contributions on the need for a forum. Call it what one may, that is a very legitimate, important and practical call to make and the Taoiseach seems to be up for it. Everyone in this and the Lower House is up for it. Civic society, business, agriculture, the trade union movement and broader life in Ireland are all up for it. I hope the Leader can encourage the Taoiseach to come to the House to discuss the issue.

The Brexit vote could be the beginning of the end for the United Kingdom. Given Scotland's determination to remain in the European Union, an independent Scotland remains on the cards and I believe they will not be deterred. We are fortunate that the new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Mr. Brokenshire, has set his face against the hard Border between Dundalk and Derry. If we remain in a situation where the majority of people in Northern Ireland wish to remain part of the European Union, I believe very firmly that the Taoiseach was right to refer to the possibility of triggering the clause in the Good Friday Agreement where a Border poll could be taken, in due course. I accept that first we must await the outcome of Britain's exit negotiations. We have a vital interest in them, for many reasons. There will be further developments over the summer. Will the Leader arrange a debate on this issue in early course when we return in the autumn?