Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Mar an cainteoir deireanach, ar son Bhaill Dháil Éireann agus Sheanad Éireann, gabhaim míle buíochas leis an Uachtarán as ucht na hóráide iontaí inniu agus as an gcairdeas agus tacaíocht a thugann sí féin agus baill Pharlaimint na hEorpa don Rialtas agus do phobal na hÉireann. Members of Seanad Éireann and Dáil Éireann, it is my pleasure to welcome President Metsola and thank her for her support and friendship to us as a democracy and a nation.

The European Parliament represents the second largest electorate in the world. The people of Ireland value being part of that electorate. For 50 years since 1973, 50 bliain ag fás, we have benefited from economic and developmental opportunities. More than this, our membership of the European Union enables us to stand with the hundreds of millions of Europeans who share our commitment to democracy and peace. President Metsola, today your address was both honest, challenging and sobering and we thank you for that. Tá seanfhocal sa Gaeilge agus tá súil agam go bhfuil an ceann céanna sa Mháltais. There is a saying in Irish, and I think a very similar one in your own language: Tagann an ghrian i ndiaidh na fearthainne - the sun follows after the rain. These are challenging times, as many of our speakers today have said, in our region and they demand a strong European Union. As President of the European Parliament you have shown your commitment to lead, renew and strengthen Europe in preparation for brighter days ahead. We thank you for your leadership, your presence and your visit to us today, which we see as a sign of Europe’s continued commitment to Ireland as well as Ireland’s continued commitment to Europe, as you have said.

Your visit comes, as we spoke of at lunch, after an ancient Gaelic festival called Imbolc. For Christians, it is the feast day of St. Brigid and traditionally observed on the first day of February. Imbolc marks the beginning of spring, a time of renewal and a time of hope. I mention this today as a reminder to all of us that Europe, as a project of peace, has hope at its centre. In your role as President of the European Parliament you have been an agent of that hope. Your presidency has been simultaneous with the unjust war in Ukraine and you have met this challenge by demonstrating that Europe's strength lies in solidarity and unity. Ireland is proud to be represented in the European Parliament that is a beacon of hope for Ukraine and a driver of positive change in Europe and the world. I welcome today to our joint sitting members of the European Parliament who are here. I see former Senator, Deputy and Minister, Frances Fitzgerald MEP, Maria Walsh MEP, Deirdre Clune MEP and former MEP Gay Mitchell. You are very welcome. I want to welcome Michelle O'Neill to our sitting today and thank her for your leadership as well.

A Uachtaráin, thank you for being here today. You went to Kyiv at a time when leadership was needed. You have demonstrated again that you are preparing for that brighter day. We wish you a very positive visit to our country. We thank you for your support. Go raibh míle maith agat.

See this speech in context