Mark Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

A Uachtaráin von der Leyen, a Thaoisigh, a Sheanadóirí, a Theachtaí Dála, a dhaoine uaisle. Your Excellency, President von der Leyen, Taoiseach, Deputies, Senators, members of the diplomatic corps, distinguished guests, on behalf of all the citizens of our democracy, I thank you for addressing these Houses to mark 50th anniversary of Ireland’s accession to the European Union.

Irish membership of the European Union has been one of the most positive events of our lifetimes. The European Union has shown when the nations of Europe work together, it benefits all our citizens. The European Union brings freedom: free movement of goods; free movement of capital; freedom of services; free movement of people. The economic benefits of freedom are clear to be seen throughout this island. The European Union came from the ashes of the Second World War and an alliance for peace among its member nations was formed. It has also been described by you as a peace project.

Next year, those of us on this island will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. This agreement was only possible through the support of our partners in the European Union, the United States of America and the United Kingdom working together. The current impasse will only be solved by us working together again. The European Union’s strong and steadfast support for Ireland, its continuing support for our peace process and the hard-won peace on the island, as well as in the negations following the Brexit referendum, are greatly appreciated by the Members of this Parliament and the people on this island.

President von der Leyen, your presence in our Parliament is a sign of your solidarity with us and with the people of this island. Your support is appreciated; your support in the past has been appreciated, and your support in the future will be greatly appreciated. A Uachtaráin von der Leyen, go raibh maith agat.