Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Before I call on the Leader to outline the Order of Business, I will acknowledge that this year is the 65th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus. The nation is proudly celebrating its ties and friendship with Ireland through the presence here of its ambassador. He is most welcome. Cyprus and the island of Ireland share a unique historical precedent in that we are the only two island nations in the world to be divided. We share a long struggle and history of fighting for our independence, which led to the division of our islands.

As members of the European Union, we share many common ideas and views. Cyprus is to take over the Presidency of the Council of the EU in January next year. We will receive the baton from Cyprus in July. We look forward to working with Cyprus. We will remind Europe of its ideas, values and principles to ensure it upholds peace, democracy and solidarity in an increasingly challenging world.

Since 1964, thousands of members of An Garda Síochána and our Defence Forces have been part of the United Nations peacekeeping force on the island of Cyprus. We work with the United Nations on a just and viable solution to the partition. We earlier discussed the UN Security Council and its resolution in respect of guiding Cyprus back to becoming one nation again.

Our friendship is also through the people. More than 140 Cypriot students are studying in Ireland. We welcome them. We hope they enjoy their time in Ireland and bring back the message of friendship from Ireland to Cyprus. We wish the ambassador a very happy independence day and thank him for taking time out of his day to be here with us.