Statement by Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann Senator Mark Daly to mark Romania's National Day

The Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, Senator Mark Daly, has today extended greetings and good wishes to the people of Romania on their National Day.

Speaking in the Seanad the Cathaoirleach said: “On the occasion of Romania's national day, we would like to wish Ambassador Laurentiu Ştefan and all the Romanian people in Ireland a Happy Independence Day. La mulţi ani România!" 

"103 years ago today, the National Assembly in Alba Iulia proclaimed the unification of the Romanian people. A long struggle for independence is just one of the common bonds that unites our peoples. We are proud and committed partners in the European Union and the United Nations." 

"On the 1st of December 1918, there was a huge gathering in Alba Iulia, Romanians from all the provinces assembled to vote a proclamation that led to the union of all these provinces."

"It was a historical kick-start for modern Romania - that was sadly halted by decades of communist oppression. Romanians fought and died for their freedom in December 1989 and returned their country to the European fold."

"It was in 1990, in the aftermath of the Romanian Revolution, that Romania established diplomatic relations with Ireland. It was also the year when Ireland faced Romania in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup. It was a happy moment for the Irish, not so happy for the Romanian fans!"

"At present, more than 100,000 Romanians in Ireland make a notable contribution to Irish life and the beautiful Romanian language is being taught in our schools as an exam subject."