Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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Before I ask the Deputy Leader to outline the Order of Business, I welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus, which is marking its independence day this week. It is the 62nd anniversary of its independence and of course the parallels between Ireland and Cyprus are well known. We are two small island nations, in fact the only two small island nations that are partitioned, and we have both long struggled against colonial rule in order to achieve independence. We are still dealing with the consequences of division.

Most importantly, Ireland and Cyprus cherish international law and human rights and these are at the heart of our respective Governments' policies. We strive to promote diplomacy and multilateralism and of course as members of the European Union we work together. We thank Cyprus for its support during the very difficult Brexit negotiations that are ongoing. The worst moment in Cyprus's most recent history was the invasion in 1974 by Turkey. Thousands of Irish citizens live in Cyprus and enjoy the fine sunshine. We have quite a number of Cypriots living here in Ireland also. When that invasion took place, over 40% of the territory in Cyprus was, and continues to be, occupied. The United Nations and all sides are working to find a just and viable solution to the situation in the country. I know the Cypriot Government greatly appreciates the work of our Defence Forces and our gardaí who have been on duty in Cyprus over the past nearly 50 years. Some members of An Garda Síochána and the UN forces have served there since 1964. We wish the ambassador and all the people of Cyprus a very happy independence day. I thank the ambassador for being with us in the House this morning.