9 May 2018, 14:26
The Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD, and the Cathaoirleach, Senator Denis O’Donovan, have welcomed EU representatives to Leinster House for Europe Day, where the EU flag was raised outside Leinster House for the first time.
Wednesday’s ceremony coincided with celebratory events across the 28-nation union, where Europe Day has been observed since 1985.
It was on May 9th in 1950 when France proposed a pact with West Germany on the joint production of steel and coal. That act of cross-border cooperation set in motion a process of growing European economic integration and paved the way for today’s EU.
At midday, Defence Forces personnel raised the EU standard alongside the Irish Tricolour in front of the Cenotaph on Leinster Lawn facing Merrion Square.
“While the European flag flies from many local buildings, including embassies, this is the first time Ireland has flown the flag of Europe at the heart of Irish democracy, Leinster House,” said Ceann Comhairle Ó Fearghaíl.
“This year marks the 45th anniversary of Ireland’s accession to the EU,” said Cathaoirleach O’Donovan. “It’s an important reminder of how long Ireland has been cooperating with European neighbours, and how much better off we are as a nation because of this remarkable partnership.”
The leaders of the Dáil and Seanad jointly hosted a reception inside Leinster House for ambassadors and other representatives of EU member states resident in Ireland.
Captioned photographs of Wednesday’s events can be downloaded here.
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Media enquiries
Shawn Pogatchnik
Houses of the Oireachtas
Communications Unit
Leinster House
Dublin 2
+353 1 618 4203
+353 86 701 3295
shawn.pogatchnik@oireachtas.ie
Twitter: @OireachtasNews