Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

Before I call on the Leader to announce the business of the day, it gives me great pleasure to welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery Ambassador Telemachou from Cyprus . We are celebrating the national day of Cyprus. As Cathaoirleach, on my behalf and on behalf of Members, I take this opportunity to congratulate the people of Cyprus and its Government on their independence day. A national holiday is observed every year on this day by the people of the Republic of Cyprus. Ambassador Telemachou has been in Ireland for ten months. He is no stranger to us here in Leinster House. He has been a very good friend to us. He has really engaged with us since he took his post as ambassador. I thank him most sincerely for his friendship and for the great work he is doing. I commend the approximately 2,000 Cypriot people here in Ireland who are making a very valuable contribution to our country. The ambassador and I have spoken about the vibrant student population here, and we thank them.

I should also mention in passing that today is the national day of China. It is also Nigerian independence day. We wish the peoples of those two countries a happy national or independence day as well.

I thank the ambassador for being here. I hope he enjoys his celebration. We wish him continued success in his posting. I invite the Leader to outline the business of the day.