Mr. President, it is indeed a great honour to have the privilege as Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann of welcoming you on behalf of my colleagues and myself to the Parliament of Ireland. For generations the people of Ireland and the people of the United States of America have been closely and intimately associated in times of trial and in times of triumph. The emigrants from our shores have tasted the sweet air of freedom and opportunity sweeping across the broad plains of that hospitable land, and we are proud—very proud indeed—to know that these emigrants were effective and potent factors in the development of that great country. Thus in ordinary circumstances it would be an occasion of pride and privilege for any Irishman to welcome the President of the United States of America to an Irish parliament. But, Mr. President, this is not an ordinary occasion. Your great personality elevates it far above that level. It is an occasion unique as an event in Irish history—it is an international gesture of kindness and goodwill of inestimable value. When the citizen who presides over the great American people of the United States shares with the people of Ireland the heritage of blood, of name and tradition, then the event is enhanced almost beyond measure. May I therefore hasten to extend to you, Mr. President, on behalf of my colleagues and myself, a sincere and hearty welcome to the Parliament of Ireland and I respectfully request you to address your eager audience.
Prelude
Pursuant to Resolutions passed by Dáil Éireann and by Seanad Éireann on 20th June, 1963, both Houses met in the Dáil Chamber at 4.15 p.m., the Ceann Comhairle presiding.
Paidir.
Prayer
The Taoiseach (Deputy Seán F. Lemass), Deputy Dillon (Leader of the Fine Gael Party) and Deputy Corish (Leader of the Labour Party) conducted John Fitzgerald Kennedy, President of the United States of America, to the dais, where, all members standing and applauding, he was received by the Ceann Comhairle.
The President then took his seat on the dais beside the Ceann Comhairle.