Mark Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Before I call on the next contributor, I welcome H.E. Stanislav Vidovi, ambassador of Slovenia to Ireland, to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery. The ambassador is most welcome here to mark Slovenia's national day.In 1991, your country achieved its independence and, of course, we go back much further in terms of our relationship, with Irish monks going all the way to Slovenia to bring the word to the people. We share a love of language and culture. It was under Ireland's Presidency of the European Council in the spring of 2004 that Slovenia joined the European Community and, of course, we work together closely in the United Nations and other international bodies. We were greatly appreciative of Slovenia's support during the Brexit negotiations and for that support, we are forever thankful. There are nearly 1,500 Slovenians living in Ireland and contributing to the country, but also remembering their home on this, their national day. As Slovenia faces England in the European soccer championships this evening, we wish you all the best and hope that luck will smile upon you on your national day. I thank the ambassador for being with us here on Slovenia's national day.