Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)
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It is my great privilege and pleasure to welcome the students from Clondalkin and their teachers. It is wonderful have to them here. I hope they find the proceedings interesting and find their day in the Seanad and the Dáil pleasurable. I know they are being escorted around very satisfactorily and I think they are enjoying their day. It was nice to have met them earlier. Tá fáilte roimh go léir go dtí an Seanad.

Tomorrow is Latvian national day and I want to make some remarks about it on my own behalf and that of the Cathaoirleach who is absent and would very much want to be associated with these remarks. On Friday, 18 November, we will celebrate proclamation day of the Republic of Latvia. It is a national celebration, marking the day on which in 1918, Latvia declared its independence. This year marks its 104th anniversary. As two small European countries that both struggled for independence in those early years of the 20th century, we will always share a historical connection. This year also highlights a historical connection in our democratic traditions as Latvia commemorates the 100 year anniversary since the first sitting of the Saeima and its beginning as a modern democratic state. Ireland also celebrates its own democratic traditions, as 2022 marks 100 years since the foundation of the our State.

There are many connections between the Latvian and the Irish people, not least our love of music, song and dance. On Friday, we celebrate those growing links and look forward to our future together as part of the European family. Significantly, more than 30,000 Latvians have found a home in Ireland, feeling welcomed and being part of Ireland's story. They are bringing the best of Latvian culture and traditions to the streets of Irish cities while preparing for the main event that will be celebrated in summer 2023 in Latvia with a traditional song and dance festival. It is very special that we have 30,000 Latvians who are new Irish. It is really important to mention that. They are very welcome among us and they are making such a positive contribution to our country.

To the Latvian ambassador to Ireland, H.E. Juris Štlmeistars, and to all Latvians, including those living in Ireland, I say happy proclamation day. Saules mžu Latvijai. That was very elegant Latvian.

I have the sad duty to announce to the House the sad passing of Patrick Doody, who is a brother of our very esteemed Clerk Assistant of the Seanad, Bridget Doody. Bridget is much loved by everyone here. Patrick was a relatively young man and it is very sad. He was a close lifelong and personal friend of Senator Ned O'Sullivan. Senator O'Sullivan will be at part of the funeral today so he is not here. However, he would want to record his sympathy and he specifically asked me to do that in public as a lifelong friend of Patrick's. Senator O'Sullivan would normally speak on this.

We all express our deepest sympathy to Bridget. She is a much loved colleague. I ask our acting Leader with good grace that we might have a minute's silence at the end of the Order of Business, but he will make that decision.