Before I call on the Leader of the House to outline the Order of Business, I wish to say that we are all concerned about the events this morning in the Ukraine and our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine.
This is the national day of friends of Ireland, the Estonian people. I know their thoughts are also with the people of Ukraine. I would like to welcome H.E. Aino Lepik von Wirèn, the Estonian ambassador, to Seanad Éireann as we celebrate our 100th year. Estonia, like Ireland, is a small country which celebrates its independence day today. A year before Dáil Éireann sat for the first time, Estonia declared its independence, on 24 February 1918. Like Ireland, Estonia is a small country that struggled so long for independence and, as such, we share that common bond. We, of course, also share membership of the European Union and a love of language. Estonian is an exam subject in our school system and there are statues of Oscar Wilde and Eduard Vilde, the Estonian literary icon, in Galway city and in the university city of Tallinn in Estonia. During her visit, as President of Ireland, Mary McAleese said: "Estonia is a country with a rich cultural heritage and a huge appreciation of cultural values. Like us, you cherish your music and culture – a fact that I believe sustained both our countries in our sense of community and identity during more troubled times."
Last year marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Estonia and Ireland. On its national day, I wish the ambassador and the 3,000 Estonian nationals living in Ireland a peaceful Estonia day. In my best Estonian head Vabariigi aastapäeva.