Yesterday, the jury in the case of the stabbing of the little girl on Parnell Square came back with a guilty verdict. I acknowledge the jury's work. I welcome the guilty verdict. In 15 seconds on 23 November 2023, the world changed for a little girl, her family and all of the community of Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire. It absolutely shook our community. The verdict will not turn back the clock but I really do hope it brings some sense of justice to the little girl's family and the whole community of Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire. I acknowledge the incredible bravery and courage of Leanne Flynn, Caio Benicio and others who intervened on the day. In the face of such savagery and depraved actions, they intervened and saved a little girl's life and other lives. They are to be commended. I think of them and the little girl and her family today and I thank those who served on the jury.

Yesterday in Dublin Castle, we had the opening ceremony for Ireland's Presidency of the Council of Europe. I congratulate everybody who participated. It was an excellent ceremony. We were graced with the incredible creative talent of musicians, actors, singers and dancers. We were also graced with the presence of President Zelenskyy and António Costa. It is a very important moment for Ireland. It is the eighth time we will take the Presidency of the European Union, a union of 450 million people. This is an incredibly important six months for our country and for Europe. I hope that all public representatives from all parties and none will work in support of the Government over the six months to ensure the Presidency is a success for all of the European Union.

This Saturday marks the 250th birthday of the United States of America. The US comes in for an awful lot of bad press an awful lot of the time. It does not help itself by bringing a lot of it on. I am somebody who at a point in my life was lucky enough to get a green card through a lottery to go to the United States, like many others. Independence Day on 4 July is an important day. It is important that we celebrate the good things. I wish every American everywhere a very happy Independence Day and a happy fourth of July.