Mark Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Before I call Senator Cassells, I want to welcome and say bonjourto Annie Vidal, a Deputy from the French Parliament. My French is pretty poor. I ask Senator Boyhan to stop causing an interruption. I thank Ms Vidal for coming here. This is the 225th anniversary of the Year of the French and I know there were big events in Deputy Flaherty's area to commemorate the assistance the French gave us 225 years ago. It did not quite work 225 years ago, however. We appreciate France's support on Brexit and its ongoing support in Europe. This is also the 175th anniversary of the first flying of the Irish flag, which was donated to us by the women of Paris, who created the Tricolour 175 years ago on 7 March. We thank France for helping us with our national flag, which we proudly fly over this Parliament. I thank Ms Vidal for visiting us. I thank Deputy Flaherty for bringing the Deputy from France here.