President of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus, H.E. Annita Demetriou, to address Seanad Éireann

The Cathaoirleach, Senator Jerry Buttimer said: “It is an honour to welcome President of the House of Representatives Demetriou to the Houses of the Oireachtas and to address the Seanad during her visit to Ireland.

“Ireland and Cyprus have long-standing and excellent bilateral relations which continue to grow through our membership of the European Union. Despite – or perhaps because of – our being two islands at either end of Europe’s periphery, we share many of the same values and enjoy good partnership on a wide range of issues.

“In the Brexit negotiations, Cyprus provided consistent support to Ireland’s position on the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and UK. This display of EU solidarity was particularly appreciated considering Cyprus’s history with the UK and enduring people-to-people links.

“President of the House Demetriou was first elected to parliament in 2016, she was elected as the youngest ever Speaker and the first ever female Speaker in Cyprus in 2021. She is a vocal supporter of women’s rights and equality, a promotor of human rights, protection of the environment and the strengthening of parliamentary diplomacy.”

The Cathaoirleach will open the session with a welcome address, followed by Ms Demetriou’s speech. Spokespersons for each grouping will then make contributions followed by a speech of thanks by the Leas-Chathaoirleach, Senator Mark Daly.

The address to Seanad Éireann can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV.

Seanad proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.