Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms Demetriou for joining us. It is fantastic for our Chamber to have her here in Ireland. As our Leader said, we have more links than we might think. We both have a history with the British empire and of having an island that is split and divided. We both have a history of trying to be peaceful and get on with everybody and we are nowadays, along with Malta, the only island states in the EU. I was recently in Brussels on behalf of the transport committee and people told me they could get trains everywhere, decarbonise and not use aviation. We had to remind them we are not all able to jump on a train and go anywhere in Europe. Cyprus and Malta are the same. We need to co-operate with each other and remind people there is no one-size-fits-all answer when dealing with decarbonisation of things like aviation and maritime. I know maritime is very important to Cyprus as well.

I also acknowledge the presence of the ambassador. She has been a fantastic ambassador for Cyprus and is one of the best-known and most liked ambassadors in diplomatic circles in Ireland and very well connected, always promoting the interests of Ireland-Cyprus and Cyprus itself. Cyprus as a country is lucky to have her in its diplomatic team and we are lucky to have her here.

Ms Demetriou touched on many things in her speech and I do not want to repeat the things our Leader said about gender-based violence, democracy, Ukraine, having a divided island, taking nothing for granted and peace. Having an island occupied by a hostile country is a challenge for all of us and for you guys. We all need to work together in the EU for peace and in many aspects. I look forward to perhaps other members of Ms Demetriou's Parliament joining us at some stage in Ireland and working together for the benefit of both countries.