6 Beal 2011, 16:32
Dáil Éireann will host a special sitting on Monday, 9 May to celebrate Europe Day, the annual celebration of peace and unity in Europe.
On the 9th of May 1950, Robert Schuman presented his proposal on the creation of an organised Europe. This proposal, known as the ‘Schuman declaration’, is considered to be the beginning of the creation of what is now the European Union. May 9 has been designated as the day of annual celebration of European unity and is more commonly known as ‘Europe Day’.
Ceann Comhairle Sean Barrett TD said: “In the 66 years since the end of the Second World War, Europe has overcome the divisions of the past. European countries have worked together to provide peace and prosperity for our peoples. For that reason, it is important that we remember and commemorate these achievements through ‘Europe Day’. Not only have we a shared history of cooperation over the past decades, we have a shared ambition for the future of Europe. Today, we have more that unites us than divides us and Ireland’s place is at the heart of a modern, dynamic and innovative Europe.”
To mark this occasion, the Houses of the Oireachtas will host a special sitting of the Dáil and a meeting of the Select Committee on Europe, in the Dáil Chamber.
The schedule for the day
11.00am Commissioner Máire Geoghegan-Quinn arrives at Leinster House and is met by Ceann Comhairle Sean Barrett TD. – Photo opportunity
11.15am Photo opportunity in the Garden Room, Leinster House with Ceann Comhairle, Commissioner and MEPs
11.30am Dáil sits. Statement by the Taoiseach
11.45am Address by Commissioner for Research Innovation and Science, Ms Máire Geoghegan-Quinn
12.00pm Statements by Party Leaders
DÁIL SITTING Adjourned
12.30 pm Meeting of the Select Committee on Europe Day in the Dáil Chamber
12.30pm Opening remarks by Deputy Joe Costello, Chairman of the Select Committee on Europe Day
12.35pm Contributions from Members of the European Parliament
Q&A with Members of the Committee and other Members attending
2.00pm Statement by Ms Lucinda Creighton, Minister of State with responsibility for European Affairs
2.15pm SELECT COMMITTEE ADJOURNED 2.15pm
The proceedings of this special sitting to celebrate Europe Day will be broadcast on TG4 from 11.30 – 1pm
ENDS /
For further information please contact:
Verona Ní Bhroinn
Press and Public Relations Officer,
01 -618 3881
087 2624132