Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)

I wish on my own behalf and on behalf of my fellow Senators to welcome to the House Mr. Pat Cox, President of the European Parliament. Seanad Éireann has welcomed a number of distinguished members of the European Commission in recent years. Today is a particular milestone as our visitor is an Irishman and a former Member of Dáil Éireann. Indeed, as President Cox is a fellow Limerickman, today has a special significance for me.

Last January, the European Parliament honoured Pat Cox by electing him as its President. This House wishes him every fulfilment, success and good fortune in that capacity. No stranger to us in Ireland, Mr. Cox has always expressed his views clearly and convincingly. He conveys a genuine enthusiasm and passion for the task in hand. It is, therefore, a great honour and privilege to invite Pat Cox, President of the European Parliament, to address Seanad Éireann.