Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)

Today is International Day of Democracy. As such, it is only right and fitting that this Parliament should take time to mark the event. The International Day of Democracy is intended both to celebrate democracy and to serve as a reminder that the need to promote and protect democracy is as urgent as ever. While it is easy for some to be cynical about politics and parliament, events around the world in the last year - the Arab spring in particular - have demonstrated that people strive for free and democratic leadership.

Here in Ireland we are fortunate that our Parliament has remained independent, free and democratic since the foundation of the State. For 90 years the State has withstood many pressures, including a world war, and endured grim times. Throughout, we have kept a firm grip on our democratic principles. We should not take that for granted; rather, we should celebrate the fact that we have always retained the freedom to elect our Parliament. I am pleased the Dáil is joining today with many other parliaments in devoting time to mark the International Day of Democracy.

I invite the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Lucinda Creighton, to make her opening statement.

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