Mark Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Before I call Senator Chambers, I want to make a few remarks. We are grateful to the people and country of Greece for their contribution to the world, not only for giving us the meaning and idea of democracy but also for the very word itself. Ireland is unique in having the only capital city with a street named after the Greek language.

This year, Greece celebrates the 200th anniversary of the beginning of its war of independence. Among those who fought in that struggle was General Richard Church, from County Cork, who led the Greek army in the latter stages of the war. He became a Greek citizen and a Greek senator and was a member of Greece's council of state.The year 2021 also marks the 40th anniversary of Greece's membership of the European Union and the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Greece. I am sure all Senators will join me in this very special year for the people in Greece in wishing their ambassador, H.E. Mrs. Simopoulou, and all the Greek people living in Ireland and throughout the world a happy independence day. Zeéto eeméra anexartisías.