Today we celebrate the Act of Independence of Lithuania, signed on 16 February 1918, which restored Lithuania's statehood after more than a century of foreign rule. Lithuania also marks its restoration of independence of 11 March, commemorating its 1990 decision to break away from the Soviet Union, a sovereignty that Ireland never stopped recognising. On that note, I welcome the ambassador and the deputy head of mission, who are accompanied by Deputy Dempsey, the convenor of the Ireland-Lithuania parliamentary friendship group. You are all very welcome here this morning.
The Lithuanian community is one of the largest in Ireland with active cultural organisations, weekend schools and events across the country. Since the opening of the Lithuanian embassy in Dublin in 2023, our two nations have built a warm and co-operative relationship, strengthened today under Ambassador Grinevičius. A special connection between our countries is the shared experience of emigration and resilience. Both nations have long histories of preserving identity, language and culture across borders which has helped deepen understanding between Irish and Lithuanian communities.
I extend my warmest wishes to the ambassador, to Lithuanians in Ireland and to our friends in Lithuania, and to the Irish community living there. I wish everyone a joyful and safe national day on Sunday. I hope that everyone has a great day. Go raibh maith agaibh for being here.