Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Civil Engagement Group, I welcome Madam President to Seanad Éireann and to Ireland. Her presence here demonstrates part of a growing spirit of multilateralism between parliamentarians across Europe. While national governments may work closely together, I believe it is of fundamental importance that we, the representatives of the people across Europe, work together in that multilateral spirit to build a Europe that is socially open, environmentally sustainable and peaceful.Madam President, while the distance between our islands is large, we share similar histories. Both our islands have suffered from conflict and are still dealing with the legacies of those conflicts today. We are two European Union members which are militarily neutral and work multilaterally to pursue peace and human rights across the globe. Cyprus, like Ireland, prioritises sustainable development and poverty eradication in its overseas development assistance. Finally, both our islands are immensely proud of their rich cultural heritage and value the collective memory which it represents to our people.

At a time when conflict is escalating around the world and when large powers are vying for power and influence, our two small islands, both of which have peace processes which are still works in progress, have a role to play by standing up for international law, multilateralism, human rights and peace. In her role as both the first woman and the youngest speaker, Ms Demetriou has demonstrated the contribution that the young women of Europe have to make to public life. We must work collectively across our shared Union to strive not only for gender equality in public life but also for generational equality.

I know Ms Demetriou is committed to protecting the environment. One interesting aspect of this which I might touch on is the role of cultural heritage in climate action. Cyprus lost a great deal of its incredible historical and archaeological heritage during the conflict. I know its Government has undertaken a large body of work to recover damaged and stolen artifacts. It is imperative that we, as parliamentarians, support Ms Demetriou in that work. Cyprus, as the crossroads of the world from antiquity to the present day, produced works which are not only invaluable to our shared European heritage but to our collective human memory. This is not only important from a heritage viewpoint but from an environmental one too. In its European cultural heritage green paper, the International Council on Monuments and Sites and Europa Nostra states: “Leveraging the potential of craft, creative industries and cultural heritage can support just outcomes and help deliver both a green transition and strengthened social inclusion.” Preserving our cultural heritage and environment are mutually reinforcing processes that provide the opportunity to build a more caring and co-operative society.

I look forward to working together, Madam Speaker, for a social, sustainable and peaceful Europe. I thank her for coming today. I have been to Cyprus. I absolutely loved it. I know for sure that the Cypriot people love Irish people. I hope to be back very soon.