Statement by Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann Senator Mark Daly in Seanad Éireann to mark national day of Germany

Speaking in the Seanad, the Cathaoirleach said: “On the 3rd October 1990 Germany achieved reunification after a long period of division. Ireland is proud of our role in facilitating this momentous event in German history, chairing the crucial Dublin meetings during our Presidency of the European Council, which led to pan-European support for German reunification. Indeed, Chancellor Helmut Kohl is said to have thanked the Taoiseach with the words, ‘Germany will never forget what you have done for us’.

“The relations between our two countries stretch back much further. St Killian who left Ireland from County Kerry and other Irish monks came to Germany from the 7th century and established enduring links between our countries. This year we marked 100 years since the fledgling Irish State appointed its first official representative to Germany, Nancy Wyse Power, to set up an office to promote Irish interests.

“Ireland and Germany share a strong bilateral relationship anchored in our strong economic, cultural, social and political links. What defines our relationship is our work together in the European Union, where our countries share a common vision and purpose of how to achieve a stronger and more effective Europe and a better world.

“I would like to wish Ambassador Meier-Klodt and all Germans, Alles Gute zum Tag der Deutschen Einheit!”