22 Samh 2016, 12:30
22 November 2016
The Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD, today welcomed the Speaker of the Latvian Parliament, Ms. Inara Murniece, to Leinster House, as part of a wider visit to Ireland. The delegation, which included Ms. Nellija Kleinberga and Mr. Rihards Kols, Members of the Latvian Parliament, also met with the Leader of Séanad Éireann, Senator Jerry Buttimer, and Members of the Foreign Affairs and European Affairs Committees.
Speaking following today’s meeting the Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD, said “It was a great honour to meet with Speaker Murniece today. Latvia and Ireland have long since enjoyed excellent bilateral relations and this was a common theme of our cordial and constructive discussions today. Our societies, economies and cultures have benefited greatly from these excellent links and today we discussed how they could be further enhanced into the future, to the benefit of both countries.”
“After the accession of Latvia to the EU in 2004, the Latvian population grew considerably in Ireland and indeed the current number of Latvian Nationals estimated to be living here is currently 30,000 to 35,000. Their contribution to Irish society is a welcome one and one which is rightly celebrated during this visit.”
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