Before I ask the Acting Leader to outline the Order of Business, I welcome those from Sacred Heart School in Tullamore, County Offaly. They are most welcome to Seanad Éireann. They are guests of Deputy Tony McCormack. I thank them for being here today.

I also welcome the Cypriot ambassador. The Independence Day of Cyprus commemorates the independence of the Republic of Cyprus from British rule. The ambassador is most welcome to Seanad Éireann. Independence was achieved on 16 August 1960 under the London and Zurich agreements 1959. Since 1979, the Independence Day of Cyprus has been celebrated as a national holiday in Cyprus, marked by events across the country, including a parade in Nicosia, an address by the President of Cyprus and festivals commemorating communities coming together. Despite the geographical distance between our two nations, we share a strong bond rooted in the histories of our island nations struggling to achieve their independence from British rule and forging of our paths as independent nations. We also share the distinction of being the only two partitioned islands in the world. Our friendship goes back to the establishment of diplomatic relations back in 1985 and the support for each other in the European Union. Twenty five years ago, we established an embassy in Nicosia. Cyprus was also one of the countries that joined the European Union in 2004 during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Of course, our relationships extend beyond the European Union to the United Nations. Irish peacekeepers are part of the forces that stand on the wall between the two parts of Cyprus. We also share great academic and cultural connections. Trinity College Dublin and the University of Limerick promote academic and student exchange research and joint initiatives. Of course, cultural links continue to flourish. The first marking by Cyprus in 2022 of the annual legacy of James Joyce is done as part of those vibrant friendships between Ireland and Cyprus. On this special occasion, I welcome the ambassador to Seanad Éireann and congratulate him on the celebration of Cyprus’ independence day. I thank him for being here in Seanad Éireann to mark the Independence Day of Cyprus.