This week saw a flurry of events in Leinster House illustrating the role parliamentarians play in maintaining diplomatic relations with our neighbours.
The week saw the visit of H.E. Mr. Igor Grosu, President of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, as part of a visit to Ireland that also saw him meet President Michael D. Higgins. While in Leinster House, Mr. Grosu visited, with the Ceann Comhairle and other parliamentarians, an exhibition of traditional Moldovan costumes in Leinster House. The traditional dress was recently included in the list of intangible heritage of humanity by UNESCO.
The week saw a state visit led by the President of the Republic of Malta, H.E. Dr. George Vella, who was met by the Ceann Comhairle and the Cathaoirleach before making a tour of Leinster House.
The week also saw the Ceann Comhairle participate in the launch of a postage stamp issued by Georgia Post dedicated to the 25th anniversary of Georgia-Ireland diplomatic relations.