Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)

The clapping is somewhat premature because I have some other things to say. I speak for all Members when I say that it is a great honour for us to have such a distinguished delegation with us in Leinster House. It goes without saying that the relationship between our two countries is deep and meaningful. We have a rich tradition of mutual respect and friendship, borne out by the long history and association we share.

In Ireland, we look west to America with pride when we consider the contribution made over centuries by the Irish to the richness of American society. We need look no further than some of the names of the visiting delegation today to see this. There is no denying the ancestry of surnames such as Neal, Markey, Doyle and Maloney. I do not believe we can claim the former speaker as one of our own but you can be assured that the welcome you receive here is not diminished by this in any way. On behalf of the Members of the 31st Dáil, I welcome you and your delegation and I thank you for attending.

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