The Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, Senator Mark Daly expresses his solidarity with the people of Belgium on their National Day

The Cathaoirleach said: “We have followed closely the reports from Belgium, about how it is currently coping with the effects of disastrous flooding and the tragic loss of lives. I wish to send to the Belgian people, the Ambassador here in Ireland and Belgian people around the world, a message of solidarity at this time.”

“Belgium is a close friend of Ireland and has supported peace on this island. The bonds of friendship between Ireland and Belgium are strong and deep. Our enduring friendship is grounded in historical connections from the era of our saints such as Brigid and Faolán and the Flight of the Earls, who made their made their way to Brussels and established an Irish college there. Ireland and Belgium share common values and we promote and defend them on an international stage. Multilateralism, human rights, gender equality, democracy and the rule of law are core to our foreign policies. Belgians, the Irish people and the two governments are committed Europeans. They believe that the EU is the longest and most successful peace process on this Continent in recent history.

“We are especially grateful to Belgium for the Island of Ireland Peace Park in Messines and for its contribution to the Peace Park in Dublin, which underlines Belgium's deep commitment to peace and reconciliation. Belgium, with its three different cultures and languages, four regions and the richness of its migrant community, knows the recipe for building compromise and consensus”