Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)

Before I call on the Leader to outline the Order of Business, I welcome the chargé d'affaires from the Embassy of Slovenia and her husband on Statehood Day, Slovenia’s national day. Slovenia achieved independence in 1991. Ireland and Slovenia work closely together at the United Nations and in the European Union as colleagues and friends. We appreciated its support during the Brexit negotiations. There are nearly 1,500 Slovenians in Ireland who make a valuable contribution to this country and also, I am sure, to their home country. I am sure they are thinking of it today. I thank the chargé d'affaires for being here on Slovenia’s national day. We look forward to celebrating it with her it later.

Also in the Gallery are former cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Niall Kelleher, and, more importantly, his mother, Julia, and all the Kellehers, including son Noah, and Maria O’Donohoe. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann.