As part of a state visit to Ireland, H.E. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine made an address to a sitting of both the Dáil and Seanad on the invitation of the Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil and Cathaoirleach of the Seanad.
President Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska were welcomed to Leinster House by the Ceann Comhairle, Verona Murphy TD, and the Cathaoirleach, Senator Mark Daly, before signing the Distinguished Visitors book and being greeted by Members.
President Zelenskyy and First Lady Zelenska sign the Distinguished Visitors book, accompanied by the Ceann Comhairle, Cathaoirleach, Leas-Cheann Comhairle and Leas-Chathaoirleach
President Zelenskyy entered the Dáil Chamber accompanied by the Ceann Comhairle to a sustained standing ovation.
President Zelenskyy addresses both Houses of the Oireachtas
In her opening remarks, the Ceann Comhairle indicated that the Irish Parliament hady gathered in solidarity with President Zelenskyy and his people, noting:
As a militarily neutral country, Ireland is not, and will never be, morally neutral in the face of atrocity. Our neutrality is a commitment to peace, not indifference. Together with our EU partners, Ireland will stand firm behind Ukraine to ensure Russia ends its aggression.
In beginning his address, President Zelenskyy thanked Ireland for providing "a home and protection to our people when they needed it most", thanking Ireland for its "steadfast support".
President Zelenskyy's address was bookended by contributions from the Ceann Comhairle and Cathoirleach
President Zelenskyy spoke directly about the greater consequences of the conflict in his homeland, stating:
One strong country can start a war; another strong country can help to stop the war. But to restore justice and defend what is right, we need a community, a world, made up of many different nations. It is the community of nations that decides, united by shared sentiments, shared aspirations, a shared desire for justice.
President Zelenskyy also spoke of the importance of Ireland's voice in these global matters:
Dear, dear Ireland, please remember your voice matters, from Ireland's vote at the United Nations to the words in your media, from your thoughts here in Dublin to every home in the global Irish community around the world. That is millions of people who can influence hundreds of millions more.
The address concluded to another sustained standing ovation before the Cathoirleach of Seanad Éireann, Senator Mark Daly, made closing remarks, noting:
There must be peace; it must be a lasting peace. We on this island have known violence and struggle, a violence that devastated our communities, but we now know peace. Ireland and Europe have stood with and will continue to stand with Ukraine, and we hope Ukraine finds a just peace in the near future.