Before I call on the Acting Leader to outline the business for the day, I welcome the Polish ambassador, H.E. Arkady Rzegocki, and his officials to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery. They are welcome. Today, we celebrate with the Polish people and the Polish community in Ireland their Constitution Day, which is tomorrow, 3 May. I extend a céad míle fáilte to the ambassador to the Seanad, and I thank him and the Polish people for their solidarity and friendship with Ireland. In light of the 20th anniversary yesterday of Poland joining the European Union, I welcome them as great friends of Ireland. In our conversation the ambassador informed me that he studied in UCD, so he already had a liking for Ireland. Of course, the Polish people and the Polish Government were supportive of Ireland during Brexit. I know the ambassador, in his role in London, was helpful to Ireland. I also thank the Polish community for making a valuable contribution to Irish society today. We are enhanced by the Polish people's presence and their enormous contribution to Irish life. Céad míle fáilte romhat. I hope you enjoy the celebration tomorrow and I thank you for being here.
