Prelude
Pursuant to Resolutions passed by Dáil and Seanad Éireann both Houses met in the Dáil Chamber at 10.30 a.m.; the Ceann Comhairle presiding.
Paidir.
Prayer.
The Taoiseach (Deputy Bertie Ahern), the Tánaiste (Deputy Mary Harney), Deputy John Bruton (Leader of Fine Gael), Deputy Ruairí Quinn (Leader of the Labour Party), Deputy Proinsias De Rossa (Leader of Democratic Left) and Deputy Trevor Sargent (Green Party-Comhaontas Glas) conducted the Rt. Hon. Tony Blair, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, to the dais, where, Members standing and applauding, he was received by the Ceann Comhairle (Deputy Séamus Pattison).
The Prime Minister then took his seat on the dais, beside the Ceann Comhairle.