only three other us address that only three other us presidents have given. it is a really significant moment. we will be watched in america, here in the uk and obviously in ireland as well. a really significant moment. chris, take us through, we have some idea of what we are expecting to be in the address, but give us some headlines, if you would like. so the whole theme _ headlines, if you would like. so the whole theme of— headlines, if you would like. so the whole theme of this _ headlines, if you would like. so the whole theme of this visit _ headlines, if you would like. so the whole theme of this visit to - headlines, if you would like. so the whole theme of this visit to the - whole theme of this visit to the whole theme of this visit to the whole ireland is the 25th anniversary of the good friday peace agreement. during president biden's visit to northern ireland which ended just over 2a hours ago, people made the observation that peace in northern ireland is not perfect. there are still some paramilitary groups who are active there. there are certainly political instability, the power sharing the ball government set up under the agreement has not been on offer more

than a year, because the democratic unionist party, the biggest party which wants to keep northern ireland in the uk, is vetoing the formation of the power—sharing coalition because of its concerns over brexit trade barriers with the rest of the uk. setting that aside, when you look back at the last 25 years, the change in northern ireland has been remarkable. the level of political balance has dramatically reduced to the extent that it is relatively rare now, so coming after a bitter sectarian conflict that lasted three decades, and cost the lives of three and half thousand people, it has been a very successful, peace process, most would say. the president biden is likely to again reflect on that, the fact that it was a peace process that benefits the whole island of ireland. most of ireland in northern ireland but the republic was touched by the conflict

as well. so we can expect him to talk about that. with regard to the major conflict in the world today, ukraine, that has come up in talks between president biden and the taoiseach, leo varadkar this afternoon so it is likely to touch on how he sees the role of small nations like ireland in that whole situation. also likely, i think, to talk about the fact that ireland has taken more 80,000 refugees from ukraine. and to think the people of ireland for that. the bigger picture ties between us and ireland which go back generations. i would be very surprised if we did not hear more details of president biden's owned family background. the finnegan's and six blewitts. the sort of people who you would suppose are very much

part of the story of how america was built as a nation. at that time. he will talk about the contribution of irish immigrants to america society over many decades and how the foundations that have late in the relationship between the two countries are deep and they will be maintained even after key, the most irish, many people say of american presidents, leaves the white house. he will say that relationship is secure and it is only going to prosper in the future. i secure and it is only going to prosper in the future. i wonder as we have been _ prosper in the future. i wonder as we have been waiting, _ prosper in the future. i wonder as we have been waiting, is - prosper in the future. i wonder as we have been waiting, is it- we have been waiting, is it tradition in irish to have a fairly lengthy cup of tea before you address the irish parliament? it certainly is tradition to have a really good chat whenever you have the chance. yesterday, in northern

ireland, whenever president biden held talks with the british apartments are, rishi sunak, they met over some people thought was a cup of coffee. so it will was a buy lactate rather than a bilateral but it was returned that it was in fact tv rather than coffee. so it may well be that the president is enjoying a bit of conversation informally before he goes into what is probably the most formal occasion of this three—day visit to the republic of ireland this parliamentary address. and certainly there has been a lot of chat, lots of laughter even, we have heard around outside the parliament building as various politicians have been coming and going, just looking around seeing what has been happening and seeing the assembled ranks of the international press here just outside of the building. so certainly, a big build—up to this moment. the major public events of

president biden's day in the irish capital. there will be another public event tomorrow whenever president biden moves to county mayo. there he will give a speech outside in the town which will be attended by members of the public there. another town in ireland where president biden has ancestral roots. so the themes of this visit are extremely clear. we have been told by the white house for quite a few days prior to president biden's arrival, he was genuinely excited about coming here on a personal level. today has been more about the political, but i suppose for president biden, this is a visit where you really can type the personal and the political together in a way that perhaps is not able to do in most other places in the world. ~ ., , do in most other places in the world. ~ . , ., . , world. we are still watching these ictures world. we are still watching these pictures come _ world. we are still watching these pictures come out _ world. we are still watching these pictures come out looking - world. we are still watching these pictures come out looking at - world. we are still watching these pictures come out looking at a - world. we are still watching these i pictures come out looking at a door, assuming that at some point president biden will come through that door. later on this evening, it

has been quite a busy day of events today. meetings and discussions and it does not stop after this. there is a state banquet this evening, correct? ., �* , , correct? that's right. there will be a state banquet _ correct? that's right. there will be a state banquet here _ correct? that's right. there will be a state banquet here in _ correct? that's right. there will be a state banquet here in the - correct? that's right. there will be a state banquet here in the irish i a state banquet here in the irish capital. another tradition of occasions like this. one of the best—known state they banquets that have been held here was held for queen elizabeth ii of britain in 2011. she was the first british monarch to visit ireland since irish independence in 1921. so that was seen as being an event that really set a seal on the peace process. it was the peace process in northern ireland that made that this it possible at all. and seeing the british head of state visit the irish capital, be the guest of the irish capital, be the guest of the irish president at the time, merrimack elyse who is attendant the

speech in irish parliament by president biden today, that location was very powerfully symbolic and still remembered by so many in the republic of ireland and in northern ireland and reflected upon a lot whenever queen elizabeth ii died last year. events like this, i think, can make an impact in a nation, in the nation of ireland and can make it impact beyond the nation of ireland and send the message out to the wider world. so certainly parliamentarians here in dublin will be hoping that this speech, that president biden will be giving, and the irish parliament this afternoon, will be one of those occasions. mindful that this will be being broadcast all around the world, seen in america and elsewhere. and it is a moment in the international spotlight that will certainly be very valuable.— spotlight that will certainly be very valuable. spotlight that will certainly be ve valuable. , ., , very valuable. chris page, our irish corresmnd —

very valuable. chris page, our irish corresmnd of— very valuable. chris page, our irish correspond of the _ very valuable. chris page, our irish correspond of the coming - very valuable. chris page, our irish correspond of the coming of- very valuable. chris page, our irish l correspond of the coming of expertly taking us through events this afternoon. and the characters and personalities, the people, the history that is there. because as you have been saying, this is a historic speech. it is not often that a us president addresses the irish parliament and that is exactly what we are reading, presidentjoe biden to do. you should know that you can carry on watching on bbc news, you can also keep up with all of the latest on the bbc news website. i will leave chris for the moment and bringing website. i will leave chris for the momentand bringing in website. i will leave chris for the moment and bringing in emma virgie, just waiting for these pictures to enter the chamber. give us a perspective on how significant this address will be.— address will be. people are really excited to have _ address will be. people are really excited to have the _ address will be. people are really excited to have the us _ address will be. people are really excited to have the us president| excited to have the us president here. i know that there were crowds lining the room earlierjust to get a glimpse of the motorcade. and

yesterday once he crossed the irish border into county louth, it was a much more touchy—feely visit that people got up in belfast because he was out shaking hands getting south—east with people of course pepping south—east with people of course popping into local businesses. some people got to feel that they were up close and personal with the us president. the leader of the free world being here. of course not many countries the size of ireland would get a visit from the president of the united states. so of course there is lots of exciting down here. comparing it to the northern ireland trip where you have to navigate some politically difficult territory, the government being collapsed, the opposing nature of the parties up there, the delicate words you need to choose when you are talking about nationalism and unionism. he was able to leave a lot of that behind at the border because coming down here he is the most universally accepted, very warm welcome, much more personal, touchy—feely visit tracing his irish roots. so i think the president is enjoying himself. we did see that taoiseach, leo

varadkar come out earlier in diplomatic we say that he is is over an hour late because these have such an hour late because these have such a good time talking to people so much. i a good time talking to people so much. ., ., , ., ., much. i have to tell you, we are “ust much. i have to tell you, we are just watching — much. i have to tell you, we are just watching some _ much. i have to tell you, we are just watching some blue - much. i have to tell you, we are just watching some blue doors, | much. i have to tell you, we are - just watching some blue doors, they look like, i think president biden is behind them. they will be opening them imminent legal steps i will let you know when we see him. the doors have opened now. but we can't quite see him yet. this is a visit, from your perspective, how significant is this? i should just tell you that we can actually see him now. president biden, arriving here at the parliament about half an hour ago, it may be a little longer. but he is now about to enter the chamber. and as we have been saying, all afternoon, it is a very significant address. 0nly afternoon, it is a very significant address. only the fourth time that a us president, the fourth us president to address the irish parliament. have some sense, you

heard chris outlining what we think that president is going to be talking about. emma, perhaps as we are watching pictures of president biden going into the chamber, what your thoughts are what you are expecting to come out from the speech? expecting to come out from the seech? �* , ., expecting to come out from the seech? �*, ., ., ., ., speech? he's going to again, refer to the 25th — speech? he's going to again, refer to the 25th anniversary _ speech? he's going to again, refer to the 25th anniversary of - speech? he's going to again, refer to the 25th anniversary of the - speech? he's going to again, refer| to the 25th anniversary of the good friday agreement and building on the past 25 years of peace. of course that speech being washed by previous irish prime ministers, bertie ahern is there, the irish chronister who was very involved in negotiations for the good friday agreement that brought or largely brought peace to northern ireland. so of course leaders of ireland have always had a significant role to play. in that piece building in northern ireland so he will touch upon that but also talk about the economic future and the close ties between ireland and america. that he wants to be underlined, that close cooperation

between ireland and american and also the sentimental ties that he feels because of his ancestral roots here. so some of this is pomp and circumstance and symbolism, today, but i think there will be more substance in his speech when he speaks to the irish parliament. compare that to his speech when he was in belfast, he had to scurry around some politics, he cannot get into the weeds of things up there because of the difficult political tensions that exist. a dockier it will be an easier speech for him, i think, and i think will be very proudly welcomed.— think, and i think will be very proudly welcomed. president biden “ust been proudly welcomed. president biden just been welcomed _ proudly welcomed. president biden just been welcomed into _ proudly welcomed. president biden just been welcomed into the - proudly welcomed. president biden l just been welcomed into the chamber now.

applause

opposition party and group leaders, secretaries — opposition party and group leaders, secretaries of — opposition party and group leaders, secretaries of state, _ opposition party and group leaders, secretaries of state, members - opposition party and group leaders, secretaries of state, members of i secretaries of state, members of congress. — secretaries of state, members of congress, ambassadors, - secretaries of state, members of i congress, ambassadors, members secretaries of state, members of - congress, ambassadors, members of both houses, — congress, ambassadors, members of both houses, and _ congress, ambassadors, members of both houses, and keys, _ congress, ambassadors, members of both houses, and keys, members - congress, ambassadors, members of both houses, and keys, members ofl both houses, and keys, members of the biden_ both houses, and keys, members of the biden family _ both houses, and keys, members of the biden family and _ both houses, and keys, members of the biden family and distinguished l the biden family and distinguished guests _ the biden family and distinguished guests i_ the biden family and distinguished guests ithink— the biden family and distinguished guests. i think i— the biden family and distinguished guests. i think i will— the biden family and distinguished guests. i think i will mention - guests. i think i will mention someone _ guests. i think i will mention someone else, _ guests. i think i will mention someone else, mr— guests. i think i will mentionl someone else, mr president, guests. i think i will mention - someone else, mr president, because it has— someone else, mr president, because it has come _ someone else, mr president, because it has come to — someone else, mr president, because it has come to my— someone else, mr president, because it has come to my attention _ someone else, mr president, because it has come to my attention that - someone else, mr president, because it has come to my attention that a - it has come to my attention that a very young — it has come to my attention that a very young observer— it has come to my attention that a very young observer is _ it has come to my attention that a very young observer is in - it has come to my attention that a i very young observer is in attendance here today — very young observer is in attendance here today that _ very young observer is in attendance here today. that is _ very young observer is in attendance here today. that is the _ very young observer is in attendance here today. that is the daughter- very young observer is in attendance here today. that is the daughter of. here today. that is the daughter of senator _ here today. that is the daughter of senator rebecca _ here today. that is the daughter of senator rebecca moynahan, - here today. that is the daughter of senator rebecca moynahan, her. here today. that is the daughter of. senator rebecca moynahan, her infant daughter— senator rebecca moynahan, her infant daughter margo —

applause ido i do suspect, that margo's attendance _ i do suspect, that margo's attendance here _ i do suspect, that margo's attendance here will- i do suspect, that margo's attendance here will go i i do suspect, that margo's. attendance here will go down i do suspect, that margo's- attendance here will go down in family— attendance here will go down in family folklore _ attendance here will go down in family folklore for _ attendance here will go down in family folklore for many - attendance here will go down in family folklore for many years l attendance here will go down ini family folklore for many years to come _ president biden, you are most welcome — president biden, you are most welcome to— president biden, you are most welcome to the _ president biden, you are most welcome to the home - president biden, you are most welcome to the home of - president biden, you are most welcome to the home of our . president biden, you are most- welcome to the home of our national parliament, — welcome to the home of our national parliament, this— welcome to the home of our national parliament, this is— welcome to the home of our national parliament, this is a _ welcome to the home of our national parliament, this is a very— welcome to the home of our national parliament, this is a very proud - welcome to the home of our national parliament, this is a very proud and i parliament, this is a very proud and historic— parliament, this is a very proud and historic day— parliament, this is a very proud and historic day for— parliament, this is a very proud and historic day for us _ parliament, this is a very proud and historic day for us all. _ parliament, this is a very proud and historic day for us all. it is - parliament, this is a very proud and historic day for us all. it is a - historic day for us all. it is a day we have — historic day for us all. it is a day we have looked _ historic day for us all. it is a day we have looked forward - historic day for us all. it is a day we have looked forward to since historic day for us all. it is a day - we have looked forward to since your election— we have looked forward to since your election as _ we have looked forward to since your election as the — we have looked forward to since your election as the 46th _ we have looked forward to since your election as the 46th president - we have looked forward to since your election as the 46th president of - election as the 46th president of the united — election as the 46th president of the united states, _ election as the 46th president of the united states, just _ election as the 46th president of

the united states, just over- election as the 46th president of the united states, just over ton the united states, just over two years— the united states, just over two years ago — the united states, just over two years ago today. _ the united states, just over two years ago. today, you - the united states, just over two years ago. today, you do - the united states, just over two years ago. today, you do us - the united states, just over twoj years ago. today, you do us the honour— years ago. today, you do us the honour of— years ago. today, you do us the honour of addressing _ years ago. today, you do us the honour of addressing our- years ago. today, you do us the honour of addressing ourjoint . honour of addressing ourjoint sitting — honour of addressing ourjoint sitting the _ honour of addressing ourjoint sitting. the fourth _ honour of addressing ourjoint sitting. the fourth time - honour of addressing ourjoint sitting. the fourth time of. honour of addressing ourjoint sitting. the fourth time of the house — sitting. the fourth time of the house has— sitting. the fourth time of the house has been— sitting. the fourth time of the house has been addressed - sitting. the fourth time of the house has been addressed by| sitting. the fourth time of the i house has been addressed by a sitting. the fourth time of the - house has been addressed by a us president — house has been addressed by a us president. almost— house has been addressed by a us president. almost 60 _ house has been addressed by a us president. almost 60 years - house has been addressed by a us president. almost 60 years ago, l house has been addressed by a us. president. almost 60 years ago, on the 28th— president. almost 60 years ago, on the 28th of— president. almost 60 years ago, on the 28th ofjune — president. almost 60 years ago, on the 28th ofjune1963,_ president. almost 60 years ago, on the 28th ofjune1963, in— president. almost 60 years ago, on the 28th ofjune 1963, in a - president. almost 60 years ago, on the 28th ofjune1963, in a very- the 28th ofjune1963, in a very different— the 28th ofjune 1963, in a very different world _ the 28th ofjune 1963, in a very different world and _ the 28th ofjune1963, in a very different world and a different. different world and a different iretand~ — different world and a different iretand~ the _ different world and a different ireland. the delete _ different world and a different ireland. the delete presidentl different world and a different - ireland. the delete presidentjohn f. ireland. the delete presidentjohn f kennedy— ireland. the delete presidentjohn f. kennedy addressed _ ireland. the delete presidentjohn f. kennedy addressed the - ireland. the delete presidentjohn f. kennedy addressed the houses| ireland. the delete presidentjohn- f. kennedy addressed the houses and inspired _ f. kennedy addressed the houses and inspired our— f. kennedy addressed the houses and inspired our people. _ f. kennedy addressed the houses and inspired our people. —— _ f. kennedy addressed the houses and inspired our people. —— the _ f. kennedy addressed the houses and inspired our people. —— the late. - f. kennedy addressed the houses and inspired our people. —— the late. it. inspired our people. —— the late. it is particularly— inspired our people. —— the late. it is particularly fitting _ inspired our people. —— the late. it is particularly fitting that _ inspired our people. —— the late. it is particularly fitting that you - is particularly fitting that you should — is particularly fitting that you should address _ is particularly fitting that you should address us _ is particularly fitting that you should address us so - is particularly fitting that you should address us so close . is particularly fitting that youl should address us so close to is particularly fitting that you - should address us so close to that important — should address us so close to that important anniversary. _ should address us so close to that important anniversary. today- should address us so close to that important anniversary. today we i important anniversary. today we acknowledge _ important anniversary. today we acknowledge the _ important anniversary. today we acknowledge the presence - important anniversary. today we acknowledge the presence in- important anniversary. today we - acknowledge the presence in ireland of his— acknowledge the presence in ireland of his grandnephew, _ acknowledge the presence in ireland of his grandnephew, joseph - acknowledge the presence in irelandj of his grandnephew, joseph kennedy the third. _ of his grandnephew, joseph kennedy the third. the — of his grandnephew, joseph kennedy the third, the new— of his grandnephew, joseph kennedy the third, the new us— of his grandnephew, joseph kennedy the third, the new us economic- of his grandnephew, joseph kennedyl the third, the new us economic envoy to northern _ the third, the new us economic envoy to northern ireland. _ the third, the new us economic envoy to northern ireland. we _ the third, the new us economic envoy to northern ireland. we wish - the third, the new us economic envoy to northern ireland. we wish him - to northern ireland. we wish him every— to northern ireland. we wish him every success _ to northern ireland. we wish him every success in _ to northern ireland. we wish him every success in the _ to northern ireland. we wish him every success in the important i to northern ireland. we wish him i every success in the important role of supporting — every success in the important role of supporting peace _ every success in the important role of supporting peace and _ every success in the important role of supporting peace and prosperityj of supporting peace and prosperity that you _ of supporting peace and prosperity that you have _ of supporting peace and prosperity that you have assigned _ of supporting peace and prosperity that you have assigned to - of supporting peace and prosperity that you have assigned to him. -

applause while all previous presidential addresses— while all previous presidential addresses have _ while all previous presidential addresses have been - while all previous presidential addresses have been of- while all previous presidential addresses have been of majorj addresses have been of major significance, _ addresses have been of major significance, today's - addresses have been of major significance, today's is - addresses have been of major significance, today's is like i addresses have been of major significance, today's is like no others — significance, today's is like no others. because _ significance, today's is like no others. because amongst - significance, today's is like no others. because amongst an i significance, today's is like no - others. because amongst an extensive list of— others. because amongst an extensive list of distinguished _ others. because amongst an extensive list of distinguished guests, _ others. because amongst an extensive list of distinguished guests, we - others. because amongst an extensive list of distinguished guests, we are - list of distinguished guests, we are 'oint list of distinguished guests, we are joint here _ list of distinguished guests, we are joint here by— list of distinguished guests, we are joint here try our— list of distinguished guests, we are joint here by our former— list of distinguished guests, we are joint here by our former president. joint here by our former president mary— joint here by our former president mary elyse, former— joint here by our former president mary elyse, former taoiseach - joint here by our former president. mary elyse, former taoiseach bertie ahern. _ mary elyse, former taoiseach bertie ahern. key— mary elyse, former taoiseach bertie ahern, key architect _ mary elyse, former taoiseach bertie ahern, key architect of— mary elyse, former taoiseach bertie ahern, key architect of the - mary elyse, former taoiseach bertie ahern, key architect of the good - ahern, key architect of the good friday— ahern, key architect of the good friday agreement, _ ahern, key architect of the good friday agreement, former- ahern, key architect of the good - friday agreement, former taoiseach emma _ friday agreement, former taoiseach emma bertie — —— enda kenny and gerry adams who played _ —— enda kenny and gerry adams who played such— —— enda kenny and gerry adams who played such a — —— enda kenny and gerry adams who played such a key— —— enda kenny and gerry adams who played such a key role _ —— enda kenny and gerry adams who played such a key role in _ —— enda kenny and gerry adams who played such a key role in the - —— enda kenny and gerry adams who played such a key role in the good i played such a key role in the good friday— played such a key role in the good friday agreement— played such a key role in the good friday agreement negotiations. i played such a key role in the good l friday agreement negotiations. and from north— friday agreement negotiations. and from north of— friday agreement negotiations. and from north of the _ friday agreement negotiations. and from north of the border— friday agreement negotiations. and from north of the border we - friday agreement negotiations. and from north of the border we also -

from north of the border we also welcome — from north of the border we also welcome alex _ from north of the border we also welcome alex lasky, _ from north of the border we also welcome alex lasky, speaker. from north of the border we also welcome alex lasky, speaker of| from north of the border we also - welcome alex lasky, speaker of the northern— welcome alex lasky, speaker of the northern assembly— welcome alex lasky, speaker of the northern assembly which _ welcome alex lasky, speaker of the northern assembly which i _ welcome alex lasky, speaker of the northern assembly which i am - northern assembly which i am sure you would — northern assembly which i am sure you would have _ northern assembly which i am sure you would have liked _ northern assembly which i am sure you would have liked to _ northern assembly which i am sure you would have liked to be - northern assembly which i am sure you would have liked to be able . northern assembly which i am sure you would have liked to be able to| you would have liked to be able to address _ you would have liked to be able to address. michelle _ you would have liked to be able to address. michelle o'neill, - you would have liked to be able to address. michelle o'neill, the - address. michelle o'neill, the northern— address. michelle o'neill, the northern leader— address. michelle o'neill, the northern leader of— address. michelle o'neill, the northern leader of sinn - address. michelle o'neill, the northern leader of sinn fein, i address. michelle o'neill, the - northern leader of sinn fein, collin eastwood. — northern leader of sinn fein, collin eastwood, member— northern leader of sinn fein, collin eastwood, member of— northern leader of sinn fein, collin eastwood, member of parliament, i eastwood, member of parliament, leader— eastwood, member of parliament, leader of— eastwood, member of parliament, leader of the — eastwood, member of parliament, leader of the stl_ eastwood, member of parliament, leader of the stl p _ eastwood, member of parliament, leader of the stl p and _ eastwood, member of parliament, leader of the stl p and a - eastwood, member of parliament, | leader of the stl p and a successor to the _ leader of the stl p and a successor to the great— leader of the stl p and a successor to the great john _ leader of the stl p and a successor to the greatjohn hume, _ leader of the stl p and a successor. to the greatjohn hume, nobel peace laureate _ to the greatjohn hume, nobel peace laureate and — to the greatjohn hume, nobel peace laureate and endless _ to the greatjohn hume, nobel peace laureate and endless eater _ to the greatjohn hume, nobel peace laureate and endless eater of - to the greatjohn hume, nobel peace laureate and endless eater of the - laureate and endless eater of the good _ laureate and endless eater of the good fighter— laureate and endless eater of the good fighter peace _ laureate and endless eater of the good fighter peace agreement. i laureate and endless eater of the i good fighter peace agreement. and naomi _ good fighter peace agreement. and naomi long, — good fighter peace agreement. and naomi long, leader— good fighter peace agreement. and naomi long, leader of— good fighter peace agreement. and naomi long, leader of the - naomi long, leader of the progressive _ naomi long, leader of the progressive and _ naomi long, leader of the progressive and growing . naomi long, leader of the - progressive and growing alliance party~ _ progressive and growing alliance party i— progressive and growing alliance party. i extend _ progressive and growing alliance party. i extend a _ progressive and growing alliance party. i extend a special- progressive and growing alliance l party. i extend a special welcome also to _ party. i extend a special welcome also to miss— party. i extend a special welcome also to miss mary— party. i extend a special welcome also to miss mary keeney - party. i extend a special welcome also to miss mary keeney whosel party. i extend a special welcome . also to miss mary keeney whose late husband _ also to miss mary keeney whose late husband is _ also to miss mary keeney whose late husband is a — also to miss mary keeney whose late husband is a favourite _ also to miss mary keeney whose late husband is a favourite poet _ also to miss mary keeney whose late husband is a favourite poet of- also to miss mary keeney whose late husband is a favourite poet of yours. husband is a favourite poet of yours and of _ husband is a favourite poet of yours and of hours — husband is a favourite poet of yours and of hours also. _

in about prize winner in one of our great _ in about prize winner in one of our great literary— in about prize winner in one of our great literary treasures. _ in about prize winner in one of our great literary treasures. shamus l great literary treasures. shamus heahey— great literary treasures. shamus heaney would _ great literary treasures. shamus heaney would have _ great literary treasures. shamus heaney would have been - great literary treasures. shamus heaney would have been 84 - great literary treasures. shamus i heaney would have been 84 today great literary treasures. shamus - heaney would have been 84 today and i'm heaney would have been 84 today and i'm sure _ heaney would have been 84 today and i'm sure he's_ heaney would have been 84 today and i'm sure he's looking _ heaney would have been 84 today and i'm sure he's looking down— heaney would have been 84 today and i'm sure he's looking down on- heaney would have been 84 today and i'm sure he's looking down on us- i'm sure he's looking down on us with— i'm sure he's looking down on us with his — i'm sure he's looking down on us with his glasses _ i'm sure he's looking down on us with his glasses nestled - i'm sure he's looking down on us| with his glasses nestled between i'm sure he's looking down on us- with his glasses nestled between his fingers _ with his glasses nestled between his fingers and — with his glasses nestled between his fingers and a — with his glasses nestled between his fingers and a hint— with his glasses nestled between his fingers and a hint of— with his glasses nestled between his fingers and a hint of a _ with his glasses nestled between his fingers and a hint of a smile - with his glasses nestled between his fingers and a hint of a smile on - with his glasses nestled between his fingers and a hint of a smile on his. fingers and a hint of a smile on his face _ fingers and a hint of a smile on his face from — fingers and a hint of a smile on his face from the _ fingers and a hint of a smile on his face. from the diplomatic- fingers and a hint of a smile on his face. from the diplomatic corps, l fingers and a hint of a smile on his face. from the diplomatic corps, i| face. from the diplomatic corps, i warmly— face. from the diplomatic corps, i warmly welcomed _ face. from the diplomatic corps, i warmly welcomed the _ face. from the diplomatic corps, i warmly welcomed the us - face. from the diplomatic corps, i- warmly welcomed the us ambassador claire cronin. — warmly welcomed the us ambassador claire cronin, thank— warmly welcomed the us ambassador claire cronin, thank you _ warmly welcomed the us ambassador claire cronin, thank you for— warmly welcomed the us ambassador claire cronin, thank you for sending . claire cronin, thank you for sending her to— claire cronin, thank you for sending her to us _ claire cronin, thank you for sending her to us and — claire cronin, thank you for sending herto us. and her— claire cronin, thank you for sending her to us. and her irish _ her to us. and her irish counterpart... - her to us. and her irish counterpart... her- her to us. and her irishj counterpart... her irish her to us. and her irish _ counterpart... her irish counterpart in washington — counterpart... her irish counterpart in washington ambassador, - counterpart... her irish counterpart in washington ambassador, one - counterpart... her irish counterpart in washington ambassador, one ofl counterpart... her irish counterpart. in washington ambassador, one of the very best _ in washington ambassador, one of the very best of— in washington ambassador, one of the very best of our — in washington ambassador, one of the very best of our diplomats. _ in washington ambassador, one of the very best of our diplomats. these - very best of our diplomats. these two outstanding _ very best of our diplomats. these two outstanding women - very best of our diplomats. these two outstanding women have - very best of our diplomats. these l two outstanding women have done very best of our diplomats. these - two outstanding women have done our two outstanding women have done our two countries — two outstanding women have done our two countries proud. _ two outstanding women have done our two countries proud. we _ two outstanding women have done our two countries proud. we are _ two outstanding women have done our two countries proud. we are joined, i two countries proud. we are joined, too, by— two countries proud. we are joined, too, by the — two countries proud. we are joined, too. by the dearr— two countries proud. we are joined, too, by the dean of— two countries proud. we are joined, too, by the dean of the _ two countries proud. we are joined, too, by the dean of the tip- too, by the dean of the tip corps, the moroccan _ too, by the dean of the tip corps, the moroccan ambassador- too, by the dean of the tip corps, the moroccan ambassador to - too, by the dean of the tip corps, - the moroccan ambassador to ireland,

the moroccan ambassador to ireland, the representative _ the moroccan ambassador to ireland, the representative of— the moroccan ambassador to ireland, the representative of the _ the moroccan ambassador to ireland, the representative of the european. the representative of the european commissioh— the representative of the european commission in— the representative of the european commission in parliament, - the representative of the europeanl commission in parliament, our dear neighbour— commission in parliament, our dear neighbour and — commission in parliament, our dear neighbour and friend, _ commission in parliament, our dear neighbour and friend, ambassador. neighbour and friend, ambassador pauljohnson— neighbour and friend, ambassador pauljohnson of— neighbour and friend, ambassador pauljohnson of the _ neighbour and friend, ambassador pauljohnson of the uk. _ neighbour and friend, ambassador pauljohnson of the uk. but - neighbour and friend, ambassador pauljohnson of the uk. but me i. pauljohnson of the uk. but me i extend _ pauljohnson of the uk. but me i extend a — pauljohnson of the uk. but me i extend a very— pauljohnson of the uk. but me i extend a very special— pauljohnson of the uk. but me i extend a very special and - pauljohnson of the uk. but me i extend a very special and warm i extend a very special and warm welcome — extend a very special and warm welcome to— extend a very special and warm welcome to the _ extend a very special and warm welcome to the much _ extend a very special and warm welcome to the much admiredl welcome to the much admired ukrainian _ welcome to the much admired ukrainian investor— welcome to the much admired ukrainian investor to- welcome to the much admired ukrainian investor to ireland, i ukrainian investor to ireland, someone _ ukrainian investor to ireland, someone who— ukrainian investor to ireland, someone who has _ ukrainian investor to ireland, someone who has become i ukrainian investor to ireland, - someone who has become incredibly well known _ someone who has become incredibly well known to — someone who has become incredibly well known to all— someone who has become incredibly well known to all of— someone who has become incredibly well known to all of us _ someone who has become incredibly well known to all of us larissa - well known to all of us larissa carrasco — well known to all of us larissa carrasco who _ well known to all of us larissa carrasco who above _ well known to all of us larissa carrasco who above all- well known to all of us larissa carrasco who above all as - well known to all of us larissa - carrasco who above all as represents the nearly— carrasco who above all as represents the nearly 80,000 _ carrasco who above all as represents the nearly 80,000 displaced - the nearly 80,000 displaced ukrainian _ the nearly 80,000 displaced ukrainian citizens— the nearly 80,000 displaced ukrainian citizens now - the nearly 80,000 displaced . ukrainian citizens now resident the nearly 80,000 displaced - ukrainian citizens now resident in ireland _ so, quite a gathering and with the greatest _ so, quite a gathering and with the greatest of— so, quite a gathering and with the greatest of respect, _ so, quite a gathering and with the

greatest of respect, mr— so, quite a gathering and with the| greatest of respect, mr president, i must _ greatest of respect, mr president, i must say, _ greatest of respect, mr president, i must say. you — greatest of respect, mr president, i must say. you sure _ greatest of respect, mr president, i must say, you sure can— greatest of respect, mr president, i must say, you sure can draw- greatest of respect, mr president, i must say, you sure can draw a - greatest of respect, mr president, i. must say, you sure can draw a crowd. perhaps _ must say, you sure can draw a crowd. perhaps afterwards _ must say, you sure can draw a crowd. perhaps afterwards you _ must say, you sure can draw a crowd. perhaps afterwards you might - must say, you sure can draw a crowd. perhaps afterwards you might give i must say, you sure can draw a crowd. i perhaps afterwards you might give me some hints— perhaps afterwards you might give me some hints on— perhaps afterwards you might give me some hints on how— perhaps afterwards you might give me some hints on how we _ perhaps afterwards you might give me some hints on how we could _ perhaps afterwards you might give me some hints on how we could ensure i perhaps afterwards you might give me some hints on how we could ensure ai some hints on how we could ensure a -ood some hints on how we could ensure a good attendance _ some hints on how we could ensure a good attendance around _ some hints on how we could ensure a good attendance around here. - some hints on how we could ensure a good attendance around here. on - some hints on how we could ensure a good attendance around here. on a l good attendance around here. on a thursday— good attendance around here. on a thursday afternoon. _ good attendance around here. on a thursday afternoon. president - good attendance around here. on a . thursday afternoon. president biden, today— thursday afternoon. president biden, today you _ thursday afternoon. president biden, today you are — thursday afternoon. president biden, today you are amongst _ thursday afternoon. president biden, today you are amongst friends. - today you are amongst friends. because — today you are amongst friends. because you _ today you are amongst friends. because you are _ today you are amongst friends. because you are one _ today you are amongst friends. because you are one of- today you are amongst friends. because you are one of us. - today you are amongst friends. j because you are one of us. you today you are amongst friends. - because you are one of us. you can speak— because you are one of us. you can speak of— because you are one of us. you can speak of your — because you are one of us. you can speak of your irish _ because you are one of us. you can speak of your irish roots _ because you are one of us. you can speak of your irish roots with - speak of your irish roots with great pride _ speak of your irish roots with great pride and _ speak of your irish roots with great pride and affection _ speak of your irish roots with great pride and affection especially - speak of your irish roots with great pride and affection especially yourl pride and affection especially your ancestor— pride and affection especially your ancestor in — pride and affection especially your ancestor in county _ pride and affection especially your ancestor in county louth - pride and affection especially your ancestor in county louth and - pride and affection especially your. ancestor in county louth and county mayo _ ancestor in county louth and county mayo and _ ancestor in county louth and county mayo and the — ancestor in county louth and county mayo and the story _ ancestor in county louth and county mayo and the story of _ ancestor in county louth and county mayo and the story of ireland - ancestor in county louth and county mayo and the story of ireland is - mayo and the story of ireland is inextricably _ mayo and the story of ireland is inextricably linked _ mayo and the story of ireland is inextricably linked to— mayo and the story of ireland is l inextricably linked to immigration and in _ inextricably linked to immigration and in many— inextricably linked to immigration and in many ways— inextricably linked to immigration and in many ways you _ inextricably linked to immigration and in many ways you personify l inextricably linked to immigrationl and in many ways you personify it. from _ and in many ways you personify it. from the _ and in many ways you personify it. from the famine _ and in many ways you personify it. from the famine times _ and in many ways you personify it. from the famine times to- and in many ways you personify it. from the famine times to today, l and in many ways you personify it. i from the famine times to today, so many— from the famine times to today, so many people — from the famine times to today, so many people left _ from the famine times to today, so many people left the _ from the famine times to today, so many people left the shores - from the famine times to today, so many people left the shores in - many people left the shores in search— many people left the shores in search of— many people left the shores in search of a _ many people left the shores in search of a better _ many people left the shores in search of a better life - many people left the shores in search of a better life in - many people left the shores in search of a better life in the i search of a better life in the united _ search of a better life in the united states. _ search of a better life in the united states. and - search of a better life in the united states. and a - search of a better life in the - united states. and a remarkable 33, 30 4 million — united states. and a remarkable 33, 30 4 million americans _ united states. and a remarkable 33, 30 4 million americans now- united states. and a remarkable 33, 30 4 million americans now claim i 30 4 million americans now claim irish 30 4 million americans now claim irish ancestry _ 30 4 million americans now claim irish ancestry. the _ 30 4 million americans now claim irish ancestry. the signature - 30 4 million americans now claim irish ancestry. the signature is i 30 4 million americans now claim irish ancestry. the signature is of| irish ancestry. the signature is of the i916 — irish ancestry. the signature is of the 1916 proclamation _ irish ancestry. the signature is of the 1916 proclamation said - irish ancestry. the signature is of the 1916 proclamation said that. irish ancestry. the signature is of. the 1916 proclamation said that this very republic— the 1916 proclamation said that this very republic came _ the 1916 proclamation said that this very republic came into _ the 1916 proclamation said that this very republic came into being - the 1916 proclamation said that this very republic came into being with| very republic came into being with the support—

very republic came into being with the support and. _ very republic came into being with the support and, i— very republic came into being with the support and, i quote, - very republic came into being with the support and, i quote, its- very republic came into being with| the support and, i quote, its exiled children— the support and, i quote, its exiled children in— the support and, i quote, its exiled children in america. _ the support and, i quote, its exiled children in america. and _ the support and, i quote, its exiled children in america. and how- the support and, i quote, its exiled children in america. and how true. children in america. and how true that was — children in america. and how true that was down _ children in america. and how true that was. down through _ children in america. and how true that was. down through the - children in america. and how truei that was. down through the years, our exiles — that was. down through the years, our exiles supported _ that was. down through the years, our exiles supported ireland - our exiles supported ireland economically— our exiles supported ireland economically and _ our exiles supported ireland economically and politicallyl our exiles supported ireland . economically and politically and never _ economically and politically and never forgot _ economically and politically and never forgot the _ economically and politically and never forgot the families - economically and politically and never forgot the families they l economically and politically and . never forgot the families they left behind _ never forgot the families they left behind all— never forgot the families they left behind. all through— never forgot the families they left behind. all through your- never forgot the families they left behind. all through your politicall behind. all through your political career. _ behind. all through your political career. sir. — behind. all through your political career. sir. you— behind. all through your political career, sir, you too, _ behind. all through your political career, sir, you too, have - behind. all through your political career, sir, you too, have been. behind. all through your politicalj career, sir, you too, have been a faithful— career, sir, you too, have been a faithful supportive _ career, sir, you too, have been a faithful supportive friend - career, sir, you too, have been a faithful supportive friend of - faithful supportive friend of ireland _ faithful supportive friend of ireland. you _ faithful supportive friend of ireland. you have - faithful supportive friend of ireland. you have been. faithful supportive friend of i ireland. you have been there faithful supportive friend of - ireland. you have been there to what the well-known — ireland. you have been there to what the well— known song, _ ireland. you have been there to what the well—known song, in _ ireland. you have been there to what the well—known song, in sunshine . ireland. you have been there to what the well—known song, in sunshine or| the well—known song, in sunshine or in shadow. _ the well—known song, in sunshine or in shadow. so— the well—known song, in sunshine or in shadow. so on— the well—known song, in sunshine or in shadow, so on this _ the well—known song, in sunshine or in shadow, so on this historic- in shadow, so on this historic occasion, _ in shadow, so on this historic occasion, your— in shadow, so on this historic occasion, your homecoming, | in shadow, so on this historic. occasion, your homecoming, we in shadow, so on this historic— occasion, your homecoming, we warmly welcome _ occasion, your homecoming, we warmly welcome you _ occasion, your homecoming, we warmly welcome you back— occasion, your homecoming, we warmly welcome you back to— occasion, your homecoming, we warmly welcome you back to your _ occasion, your homecoming, we warmly welcome you back to your roots. - occasion, your homecoming, we warmly welcome you back to your roots. from l welcome you back to your roots. from the bottom _ welcome you back to your roots. from the bottom of— welcome you back to your roots. from the bottom of our— welcome you back to your roots. from the bottom of our hearts _ welcome you back to your roots. from the bottom of our hearts we _ welcome you back to your roots. from the bottom of our hearts we thank - the bottom of our hearts we thank you for— the bottom of our hearts we thank you for all— the bottom of our hearts we thank you for all you _ the bottom of our hearts we thank you for all you have _ the bottom of our hearts we thank you for all you have done - the bottom of our hearts we thank you for all you have done and - you for all you have done and continue _ you for all you have done and continue to— you for all you have done and continue to do _ you for all you have done and continue to do for— you for all you have done and continue to do for us - you for all you have done and continue to do for us here - you for all you have done and continue to do for us here inl continue to do for us here in ireland _ continue to do for us here in ireland the _ continue to do for us here in ireland. the ireland - continue to do for us here in ireland. the ireland you - continue to do for us here in ireland. the ireland you are| ireland. the ireland you are visiting _ ireland. the ireland you are visiting this _ ireland. the ireland you are visiting this week— ireland. the ireland you are visiting this week is - ireland. the ireland you are visiting this week is a - visiting this week is a multicultural, - visiting this week is a - multicultural, progressive visiting this week is a _ multicultural, progressive nation benefiting — multicultural, progressive nation benefiting a _ multicultural, progressive nation benefiting a -- _ multicultural, progressive nation benefiting a —— enormously- multicultural, progressive nation benefiting a —— enormously from multicultural, progressive nation. benefiting a —— enormously from a flow of— benefiting a —— enormously from a flow of immigrants _ benefiting a —— enormously from a flow of immigrants who _ benefiting a —— enormously from a flow of immigrants who have - benefiting a —— enormously from a i flow of immigrants who have arrived on our— flow of immigrants who have arrived on our shores — flow of immigrants who have arrived on our shores from _ flow of immigrants who have arrived on our shores from across _ flow of immigrants who have arrived on our shores from across the - flow of immigrants who have arrived | on our shores from across the world. they enrich— on our shores from across the world. they enrich our— on our shores from across the world. they enrich our society _ on our shores from across the world. they enrich our society and - on our shores from across the world. they enrich our society and help - on our shores from across the world. they enrich our society and help us l they enrich our society and help us grow— they enrich our society and help us grow our— they enrich our society and help us

grow our economy. _ just like the irish did, and many other— just like the irish did, and many other nations, _ just like the irish did, and many other nations, in _ just like the irish did, and many other nations, in the _ just like the irish did, and many other nations, in the united - just like the irish did, and many. other nations, in the united states in years— other nations, in the united states in years gone — other nations, in the united states in years gone by _ other nations, in the united states in years gone by. they— other nations, in the united states in years gone by. they also - in years gone by. they also challenge _ in years gone by. they also challenge all— in years gone by. they also challenge all of— in years gone by. they also challenge all of us. - in years gone by. they also challenge all of us. all- in years gone by. they also challenge all of us. all of. in years gone by. they alsol challenge all of us. all of us in years gone by. they also - challenge all of us. all of us to be better than— challenge all of us. all of us to be better than we _ challenge all of us. all of us to be better than we are _ challenge all of us. all of us to be better than we are and _ challenge all of us. all of us to be | better than we are and better than we think— better than we are and better than we think we — better than we are and better than we think we can _ better than we are and better than we think we can be. _ better than we are and better than we think we can be. our— better than we are and better than we think we can be. our two- we think we can be. our two countries _ we think we can be. our two countries enjoy— we think we can be. our two countries enjoy a _ we think we can be. our two countries enjoy a warm, - we think we can be. our two. countries enjoy a warm, close we think we can be. our two- countries enjoy a warm, close and mutually— countries enjoy a warm, close and mutually beneficial _ countries enjoy a warm, close and mutually beneficial relationship. l countries enjoy a warm, close and| mutually beneficial relationship. it has been — mutually beneficial relationship. it has been an— mutually beneficial relationship. it has been an enduring _ mutually beneficial relationship. it has been an enduring relationship| has been an enduring relationship that has— has been an enduring relationship that has a — has been an enduring relationship that has a shared _ has been an enduring relationship that has a shared values - has been an enduring relationship that has a shared values and - that has a shared values and economic— that has a shared values and economic interests- that has a shared values and economic interests as - that has a shared values and economic interests as well l that has a shared values andi economic interests as well as that has a shared values and . economic interests as well as a passion — economic interests as well as a passion for— economic interests as well as a passion for politics _ economic interests as well as a passion for politics and - economic interests as well as a passion for politics and a - economic interests as well as a passion for politics and a loaf. economic interests as well as a| passion for politics and a loaf of cultural— passion for politics and a loaf of cultural matters _ passion for politics and a loaf of cultural matters that _ passion for politics and a loaf of cultural matters that you - passion for politics and a loaf of cultural matters that you have i cultural matters that you have highlighted, _ cultural matters that you have highlighted, mr— cultural matters that you have highlighted, mr president, - highlighted, mr president, frequently, _ highlighted, mr president, frequently, economically. highlighted, mr president, - frequently, economically ireland has benefited _ frequently, economically ireland has benefited immensely— frequently, economically ireland has benefited immensely from _ frequently, economically ireland has benefited immensely from us - benefited immensely from us investment— benefited immensely from us investment with _ benefited immensely from us investment with supports - benefited immensely from us| investment with supports over 370,000 _ investment with supports over 370,000 jobs— investment with supports over 370,000 jobs here _ investment with supports over 370,000 jobs here in - investment with supports over 370,000 jobs here in ireland. investment with supports over- 370,000 jobs here in ireland today. as a result—

370,000 jobs here in ireland today. as a result we — 370,000 jobs here in ireland today. as a result we now _ 370,000 jobs here in ireland today. as a result we now have _ 370,000 jobs here in ireland today. as a result we now have thriving - as a result we now have thriving technology, _ as a result we now have thriving technology, health _ as a result we now have thriving technology, health care, - as a result we now have thriving. technology, health care, financial service _ technology, health care, financial service sectors. _ technology, health care, financial service sectors. les— technology, health care, financial service sectors. les spoken - technology, health care, financiall service sectors. les spoken about, however. — service sectors. les spoken about, however. are — service sectors. les spoken about, however. are the _ service sectors. les spoken about, however, are the 600 _ service sectors. les spoken about, however, are the 600 —— - service sectors. les spoken about, however, are the 600 —— 650 - service sectors. les spoken about, however, are the 600 —— 650 plus| however, are the 600 —— 650 plus irish— however, are the 600 —— 650 plus irish companies— however, are the 600 —— 650 plus irish companies that _ however, are the 600 —— 650 plus irish companies that operate - however, are the 600 —— 650 plusl irish companies that operate across all 50 _ irish companies that operate across all 50 states — irish companies that operate across all 50 states of _ irish companies that operate across all 50 states of the _ irish companies that operate across all 50 states of the union _ irish companies that operate acrossl all 50 states of the union employing over 100,000 — all 50 states of the union employing over 100,000 people _ all 50 states of the union employing over 100,000 people and _ all 50 states of the union employing over 100,000 people and the - all 50 states of the union employing over 100,000 people and the fact . over 100,000 people and the fact that ireland — over 100,000 people and the fact that ireland today, _ over100,000 people and the fact that ireland today, is— over 100,000 people and the fact that ireland today, is the - 0ver100,000 people and the fact that ireland today, is the ninth- that ireland today, is the ninth largest— that ireland today, is the ninth largest source _ that ireland today, is the ninth largest source of— that ireland today, is the ninth largest source of foreign - that ireland today, is the ninthj largest source of foreign direct investment— largest source of foreign direct investment in— largest source of foreign direct investment in the _ largest source of foreign direct investment in the united - largest source of foreign direct i investment in the united states. long _ investment in the united states. long made — investment in the united states. long made this_ investment in the united states. long made this bilateral- investment in the united states. . long made this bilateral investment continua _ mr president, two years ago on a cold january _ mr president, two years ago on a cold january day, _ mr president, two years ago on a cold january day, in _ mr president, two years ago on a cold january day, in washington, | mr president, two years ago on a - cold january day, in washington, dc, you spoke _ cold january day, in washington, dc, you spoke of— cold january day, in washington, dc, you spoke of the _ cold january day, in washington, dc, you spoke of the importance - cold january day, in washington, dc, you spoke of the importance of- you spoke of the importance of unity — you spoke of the importance of unity and _ you spoke of the importance of unity. and hope~ _ you spoke of the importance of unity. and hope. and - you spoke of the importance of unity. and hope. and as- you spoke of the importance of unity. and hope. and as we - you spoke of the importance of. unity. and hope. and as we gather you spoke of the importance of- unity. and hope. and as we gather in this easter— unity. and hope. and as we gather in this easter week, _ unity. and hope. and as we gather in this easter week, we _ unity. and hope. and as we gather in this easter week, we recognise - unity. and hope. and as we gather in this easter week, we recognise that. this easter week, we recognise that the world _ this easter week, we recognise that the world is— this easter week, we recognise that the wortd is in— this easter week, we recognise that the world is in need _ this easter week, we recognise that the world is in need of— this easter week, we recognise that

the world is in need of hope. - this easter week, we recognise that the world is in need of hope. hopel the world is in need of hope. hope for those _ the world is in need of hope. hope for those affected _ the world is in need of hope. hope for those affected by— the world is in need of hope. hope for those affected by war, - the world is in need of hope. hope for those affected by war, hope i the world is in need of hope. hope| for those affected by war, hope for those _ for those affected by war, hope for those suffering _ for those affected by war, hope for those suffering from _ for those affected by war, hope for those suffering from hunger- for those affected by war, hope for those suffering from hunger and i for those affected by war, hope for i those suffering from hunger and hope for those _ those suffering from hunger and hope for those in _ those suffering from hunger and hope for those in the — those suffering from hunger and hope for those in the face _ those suffering from hunger and hope for those in the face of _ those suffering from hunger and hope for those in the face of the _ for those in the face of the existential— for those in the face of the existential threat - for those in the face of the existential threat of- for those in the face of the i existential threat of climate change _ existential threat of climate change on— existential threat of climate change. on this _ existential threat of climate change. on this ireland - existential threat of climate i change. on this ireland visit existential threat of climate . change. on this ireland visit is existential threat of climate - change. on this ireland visit is an important — change. on this ireland visit is an important statement _ change. on this ireland visit is an important statement of _ change. on this ireland visit is an important statement of hope - change. on this ireland visit is an important statement of hope and i important statement of hope and support— important statement of hope and support for— important statement of hope and support for building _ important statement of hope and support for building a _ important statement of hope and support for building a better- important statement of hope and support for building a better and| support for building a better and continued — support for building a better and continued peaceful— support for building a better and continued peaceful and - support for building a better and i continued peaceful and prosperous future _ continued peaceful and prosperous future for— continued peaceful and prosperous future for att — continued peaceful and prosperous future for all. we _ continued peaceful and prosperous future for all. we thank— continued peaceful and prosperous future for all. we thank you - continued peaceful and prosperous future for all. we thank you for - future for all. we thank you for your— future for all. we thank you for your constructive _ future for all. we thank you for your constructive support - future for all. we thank you for your constructive support for. your constructive support for the good _ your constructive support for the good friday agreement. - your constructive support for the good friday agreement. over. your constructive support for the | good friday agreement. over the your constructive support for the - good friday agreement. over the last 25 years _ good friday agreement. over the last 25 years and _ good friday agreement. over the last 25 years and for — good friday agreement. over the last 25 years and for your— good friday agreement. over the last 25 years and for your continued - 25 years and for your continued ctose _ 25 years and for your continued close engagement _ 25 years and for your continued close engagement which - 25 years and for your continued close engagement which you i close engagement which you demonstrated _ close engagement which you demonstrated so— close engagement which you demonstrated so powerfully| close engagement which you - demonstrated so powerfully this week _ demonstrated so powerfully this week. friends— demonstrated so powerfully this week. friends and _ demonstrated so powerfully this week. friends and colleagues, l week. friends and colleagues, politics— week. friends and colleagues, politics despite _ week. friends and colleagues, politics despite what _ week. friends and colleagues, politics despite what may - week. friends and colleagues, politics despite what may be l week. friends and colleagues, - politics despite what may be said, is a noble — politics despite what may be said, is a noble profession, _ politics despite what may be said, is a noble profession, and - politics despite what may be said, is a noble profession, and we - politics despite what may be said, is a noble profession, and we are i is a noble profession, and we are fortunate — is a noble profession, and we are fortunate to _ is a noble profession, and we are fortunate to welcome _ is a noble profession, and we are fortunate to welcome not - is a noble profession, and we are fortunate to welcome not just - is a noble profession, and we are fortunate to welcome not just a l is a noble profession, and we are i fortunate to welcome not just a very fine politician, — fortunate to welcome not just a very fine politician, but _ fortunate to welcome not just a very fine politician, but an _ fortunate to welcome not just a very fine politician, but an outstanding i fine politician, but an outstanding and international— fine politician, but an outstanding and international statesman. - and international statesman. president _ and international statesman. president biden, _ and international statesman. president biden, in- and international statesman. president biden, in life, - and international statesman. president biden, in life, you| and international statesman. - president biden, in life, you have

demonstrated _ president biden, in life, you have demonstrated unshakeable - president biden, in life, you have demonstrated unshakeable faith. | president biden, in life, you have - demonstrated unshakeable faith. deep resitience _ demonstrated unshakeable faith. deep resilience and — demonstrated unshakeable faith. deep resilience and the _ demonstrated unshakeable faith. deep resilience and the ability— demonstrated unshakeable faith. deep resilience and the ability to _ demonstrated unshakeable faith. deep resilience and the ability to bring - resilience and the ability to bring people _ resilience and the ability to bring people of— resilience and the ability to bring people of diverse _ resilience and the ability to bring people of diverse and _ resilience and the ability to bring people of diverse and often - people of diverse and often conflicting _ people of diverse and often conflicting views _ people of diverse and often conflicting views together. i people of diverse and often - conflicting views together. above all, conflicting views together. above all. to _ conflicting views together. above all. to what — conflicting views together. above all, to what the _ conflicting views together. above all, to what the memorable - conflicting views together. abovei all, to what the memorable words conflicting views together. above . all, to what the memorable words of the iconic— all, to what the memorable words of the iconic heaney _ all, to what the memorable words of the iconic heaney you _ all, to what the memorable words of the iconic heaney you challenge - all, to what the memorable words of the iconic heaney you challenge us l the iconic heaney you challenge us to believe — the iconic heaney you challenge us to believe that _ the iconic heaney you challenge us to believe that the _ the iconic heaney you challenge us to believe that the further - the iconic heaney you challenge us to believe that the further sure - the iconic heaney you challenge us to believe that the further sure is i to believe that the further sure is reachable — to believe that the further sure is reachable i— to believe that the further sure is reachable. i ask _ to believe that the further sure is reachable. i ask you _ to believe that the further sure is reachable. i ask you not - to believe that the further sure is reachable. i ask you not to - to believe that the further sure isj reachable. i ask you not to adjust the houses — reachable. i ask you not to adjust the houses -- _ reachable. i ask you not to adjust the houses -- i— reachable. i ask you not to adjust the houses. —— iask— reachable. i ask you not to adjust the houses. —— i ask you - reachable. i ask you not to adjust the houses. —— iask you not- reachable. i ask you not to adjust the houses. —— i ask you not to l the houses. —— iask you not to address— the houses. —— iask you not to address the _ the houses. —— iask you not to address the houses. _ well mum... you said it would happen — well mum... you said it would happen. and margo, i apologise to you, happen. and margo, i apologise to you. little — happen. and margo, i apologise to you, little baby girl, the idea you are subject — you, little baby girl, the idea you are subject to hearing a president of the _ are subject to hearing a president of the united states after deliver a policy _ of the united states after deliver a policy speech is as bad as my what

my children — policy speech is as bad as my what my children have been put through. speaking _ my children have been put through. speaking of my children my son hunter— speaking of my children my son hunter is— speaking of my children my son hunter is with me and my best friend in the _ hunter is with me and my best friend in the world, — hunter is with me and my best friend in the world, my sister valerie's me today _ is the proud son, you knew i would be coming, — is the proud son, you knew i would be coming, speaker, chair, taoiseach, _ be coming, speaker, chair, taoiseach, all, and deputy prime minister. — taoiseach, all, and deputy prime minister, senders, people of iretand, _ minister, senders, people of ireland, it is so good to be back here _ ireland, it is so good to be back here if— ireland, it is so good to be back here if you _ ireland, it is so good to be back here. if you forgive the poor attempted irish... i'm at home. i'm attempted irish... i'm at home. i'm at home _ attempted irish... i'm at home. i'm at home 0my— attempted irish... i'm at home. i'm at home. only wish i could stay longer — at home. only wish i could stay longer. but i always have a little bit of _ longer. but i always have a little bit of a — longer. but i always have a little bit of a ireland close by. even when

in washington. the oval office, i have _ in washington. the oval office, i have the — in washington. the oval office, i have the rugby ball signed by the irish rugby team, the ball the team played _ irish rugby team, the ball the team played when they beat the all blacks in dublin _ played when they beat the all blacks in dublin in 2021. by the way... my cousin. _ in dublin in 2021. by the way... my cousin. one — in dublin in 2021. by the way... my cousin, one of ireland's greatest rugby— cousin, one of ireland's greatest rugby stars, kennedy, brought it to dc in— rugby stars, kennedy, brought it to dc in 2022— rugby stars, kennedy, brought it to dc in 2022 to give me and i do not play rugby except when i was out of school, _ play rugby except when i was out of school, out — play rugby except when i was out of school, out of law school and i did not play it — school, out of law school and i did not play it very well. we played in a rugby _ not play it very well. we played in a rugby club, but i did play american football and a few other sports. _ american football and a few other sports, but i realise that, you guys are ait— sports, but i realise that, you guys are all nuts — sports, but i realise that, you guys are all nuts. the thing is, i would rather— are all nuts. the thing is, i would rather have — are all nuts. the thing is, i would rather have my children playing rugby _ rather have my children playing rugby now for health reasons that i would _ rugby now for health reasons that i would have — rugby now for health reasons that i would have them playing football. your people get playing —— hurt playing — your people get playing —— hurt playing rugby and you have no

equipment and you have 280 pounds -uys equipment and you have 280 pounds guys like _ equipment and you have 280 pounds guys like we do, each docket had on the head _ guys like we do, each docket had on the head very often. it's got 16 i came to — the head very often. it's got 16 i came to ireland as a vice president bring _ came to ireland as a vice president bring most — came to ireland as a vice president bring most of my family with me. my sister— bring most of my family with me. my sister valerie, bring most of my family with me. my sistervalerie, my bring most of my family with me. my sister valerie, my brother and my five granddaughters and grandchildren and my granddaughters are crazy— grandchildren and my granddaughters are crazy about me, because it talk to them _ are crazy about me, because it talk to them every single day. together we explored our family history visiting — we explored our family history visiting to the peninsula where the finnegan's — visiting to the peninsula where the finnegan's ancestors earn their living _ finnegan's ancestors earn their living on— finnegan's ancestors earn their living on land and sea and walking the streets where my great concrete grandfather lived with his family before _ grandfather lived with his family before relocating in a 51 eventually settling _ before relocating in a 51 eventually settling in — before relocating in a 51 eventually settling in my hometown in scranton pennsylvania vostok yesterday i returned — pennsylvania vostok yesterday i returned to county louth where i toured _ returned to county louth where i toured the — returned to county louth where i toured the castle likely one of the last _ toured the castle likely one of the last 0f— toured the castle likely one of the last... of ireland my finnigan answer— last... of ireland my finnigan answer saul as they gazed on their way out _ answer saul as they gazed on their way out on — answer saul as they gazed on their way out on those days which was referred — way out on those days which was referred to — way out on those days which was referred to as a coffin ship in the sailed _ referred to as a coffin ship in the sailed out — referred to as a coffin ship in the sailed out in 1850. i was not going to say— sailed out in 1850. i was not going to say but— sailed out in 1850. i was not going to say but i—

sailed out in 1850. i was not going to say but i will anyway, the idea was, _ to say but i will anyway, the idea was, i_ to say but i will anyway, the idea was, i later— to say but i will anyway, the idea was, i later learned from the irish times— was, i later learned from the irish times that — was, i later learned from the irish times that did some background checks, — times that did some background checks, my good friend barack obama, his grandfather was a shoemaker like mine, _ his grandfather was a shoemaker like mine, sailed five weeks earlier from the same _ mine, sailed five weeks earlier from the same port. the idea they both sailed _ the same port. the idea they both sailed for— the same port. the idea they both sailed for a — the same port. the idea they both sailed for a new life and thought their— sailed for a new life and thought their grandchildren, great, great grandsons would be both be presidents, i think is bit of irish malarkey — applause. tomorrow i will also visit county— applause. tomorrow i will also visit county mayo and remember the heartbreak my ancestors must've felt leaving _ heartbreak my ancestors must've felt leaving their beloved homeland to begin— leaving their beloved homeland to begin a _ leaving their beloved homeland to begin a new life in america. i say all this— begin a new life in america. i say all this not— begin a new life in america. i say all this not to wax poetic about bygone — all this not to wax poetic about bygone days but because of the story of my— bygone days but because of the story of my family's journey and those who left and _ of my family's journey and those who left and those who stayed is emblematic of the stories so many irish emblematic of the stories so many irish and _ emblematic of the stories so many irish and american families, not

'ust irish and american families, not just irish—american families. these