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 0bama, 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 malarkev — 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 and _ emblematic of the stories so many irish and american families, not

'ust irish and american families, not just irish—american families. these stories_ just irish—american families. these stories are — just irish—american families. these stories are the very heart of what binds_ stories are the very heart of what binds ireland and america together. they speak to history, defined by our dreams. they speak to a present shared _ our dreams. they speak to a present shared responsibility and a future, poised _ shared responsibility and a future, poised for— shared responsibility and a future, poised for unlimited shared possibilities so today i like to reflect — possibilities so today i like to reflect on the enduring strength of the connections between ireland and the connections between ireland and the united _ the connections between ireland and the united states. a partnership for the united states. a partnership for the ages _ the united states. a partnership for the ages. began with our shared history— the ages. began with our shared history dating back to the very founding — history dating back to the very founding of the united states. the irish hearts that helped kindle the torch of— irish hearts that helped kindle the torch of liberty in my country and fire its _ torch of liberty in my country and fire its revolutionary spirit. the irish— fire its revolutionary spirit. the irish blood _ fire its revolutionary spirit. the irish blood from across this island that was— irish blood from across this island that was willingly given for my countries _ that was willingly given for my countries independence. the irish hahds _ countries independence. the irish hahds that— countries independence. the irish hands that were laid the foundations of a new— hands that were laid the foundations of a new kind of future, one from the bottom — of a new kind of future, one from the bottom up in the middle out. one built on— the bottom up in the middle out. one built on freedom. one of the great waves _ built on freedom. one of the great waves of— built on freedom. one of the great waves of immigration that brought our ancestors to the united states

in succeeding decades carried milliohs— in succeeding decades carried millions more irishmen across the sea _ millions more irishmen across the sea most — millions more irishmen across the sea. most of them arrives a little more _ sea. most of them arrives a little more hobe — sea. most of them arrives a little more hope in their hearts and drank in the _ more hope in their hearts and drank in the dreams and beautiful memories of an emerald green aisle, a home that would — of an emerald green aisle, a home that would never fully leave behind. i that would never fully leave behind. i never— that would never fully leave behind. i never met— that would never fully leave behind. i never met in irishmen in america who doesn't— i never met in irishmen in america who doesn't think and hope he can see irelahd — who doesn't think and hope he can see ireland someday. they are sweat is soaked _ see ireland someday. they are sweat is soaked with the foundations of communities across the nation. all across— communities across the nation. all across america that you can't go anywhere — across america that you can't go anywhere and not fight it. by the way, _ anywhere and not fight it. by the way, tip — anywhere and not fight it. by the way, tip o'neill, former speaker of the house _ way, tip o'neill, former speaker of the house used to say that he did have _ the house used to say that he did have a _ the house used to say that he did have a reception for all of the irish— have a reception for all of the irish irr— have a reception for all of the irish in congress, the house in the senate _ irish in congress, the house in the senate and — irish in congress, the house in the senate and all those who wish they were irish — senate and all those who wish they were irish. everybody showed up. look, _ were irish. everybody showed up. look, the — were irish. everybody showed up. look, the juries of our ancestors expanded — look, the juries of our ancestors expanded our horizons and literally excited _ expanded our horizons and literally excited our imaginations. they became — excited our imaginations. they became the untiring backbone of america's—

became the untiring backbone of america's progress as a nation. even as they— america's progress as a nation. even as they endure discrimination and were _ as they endure discrimination and were denied opportunity. i'll tell your story, i was campaigning for president— your story, i was campaigning for president and i was out in colorado and i_ president and i was out in colorado and i was _ president and i was out in colorado and i was with a man whose family had been _ and i was with a man whose family had been a — and i was with a man whose family had been a former senator, a man whose _ had been a former senator, a man whose family had been in the united states— whose family had been in the united states since the conquistadors for generations. and he kept, there were a whole _ generations. and he kept, there were a whole lot— generations. and he kept, there were a whole lot of people standing across — a whole lot of people standing across a — a whole lot of people standing across a refurbished rail station in eastern _ across a refurbished rail station in eastern colorado and they were literally— eastern colorado and they were literally 10,000 people on the other side of— literally 10,000 people on the other side of the _ literally 10,000 people on the other side of the track waiting to hear me speak— side of the track waiting to hear me speak for— side of the track waiting to hear me speak for them and he kept saying nowjob, _ speak for them and he kept saying nowjob, remember, rememberthese now job, remember, remember these are nowjob, remember, rememberthese are my— nowjob, remember, rememberthese are my people, their hispanic, they're — are my people, their hispanic, they're not used to be taken, he had a show— they're not used to be taken, he had a show respect. i said i understand for r _ a show respect. i said i understand for r. finally i said, gods truth, this refurbished train station, it had linen — this refurbished train station, it had linen kind of wallpaper on it and about— had linen kind of wallpaper on it and about every 20 feet there was a brass— and about every 20 feet there was a brass plaque saying, no irish

allowed _ brass plaque saying, no irish allowed '— brass plaque saying, no irish allowed. i said i get it. i get it. it allowed. i said i get it. i get it. it speaks — allowed. i said i get it. i get it. it speaks above all to the values that have — it speaks above all to the values that have sustained these people throughout the hardships in their lives _ throughout the hardships in their lives without freedom, equality, dignity. — lives without freedom, equality, dignity, family, courage. my mum used _ dignity, family, courage. my mum used to— dignity, family, courage. my mum used to have an expression, joey, courage _ used to have an expression, joey, courage is — used to have an expression, joey, courage is the greatest virtue of all, without courage you can't love with abandon. without courage you can't loved — with abandon. without courage you can't loved with abandon. these were the values _ can't loved with abandon. these were the values handed down to generations and generations of my fanrilv _ generations and generations of my family. grafted on the american character, — family. grafted on the american character, tendered as they transformed in entire nation, like so many— transformed in entire nation, like so many countries around the world but perhaps more than most the united _ but perhaps more than most the united states was shaped by ireland. that's_ united states was shaped by ireland. that's not— united states was shaped by ireland. that's not hyperbole, that's a fact. the values — that's not hyperbole, that's a fact. the values we share remained to this day the _ the values we share remained to this day the core — the values we share remained to this day the core of our historic partnership between our people and our governments. as nations we've known — our governments. as nations we've known hardship and division. we've

also found — known hardship and division. we've also found solace and sympathy of one another. and injust four years, before _ one another. and injust four years, before we _ one another. and injust four years, before we issued our declaration of independence benjamin franklin came to the _ independence benjamin franklin came to the irish _ independence benjamin franklin came to the irish parliament and declared and described it as i quote" disposed _ and described it as i quote" disposed to be friends of america. in _ disposed to be friends of america. in turn — disposed to be friends of america. inturnthe— disposed to be friends of america. in turn the next two techs of ireland — in turn the next two techs of ireland 1960 proclamation displayed mainly— ireland1960 proclamation displayed mainly in— ireland 1960 proclamation displayed mainly in the main floor of this building — mainly in the main floor of this building draws on the support of ireland's— building draws on the support of ireland's exide children in america for the _ ireland's exide children in america for the draws on exiled children of america _ for the draws on exiled children of america for— for the draws on exiled children of america for the nations who persevere for freedom, braved a civil war. — persevere for freedom, braved a civil war. to—

persevere for freedom, braved a civil war, to toil in the vineyards of democracy. that again is not hyperbole, it's a fact. it's not just— hyperbole, it's a fact. it's not just a — hyperbole, it's a fact. it's not just a hope but the conviction of better— just a hope but the conviction of better days lie ahead the process along~ _ better days lie ahead the process along~ we — better days lie ahead the process along. we have the power to build a better— along. we have the power to build a better future. 60 years ago it was reference — better future. 60 years ago it was reference the first irish catholic president— reference the first irish catholic president of the united states and made _ president of the united states and made in _ president of the united states and made in a — president of the united states and made in a structure appear. speaking to this _ made in a structure appear. speaking to this assembly and capturing the imaginations of irish—american families— imaginations of irish—american families alike. whenjohn kennedy addressed parliament he honoured more _ addressed parliament he honoured more than — addressed parliament he honoured more than 150,000 irish immigrants whojoined _ more than 150,000 irish immigrants whojoined the army more than 150,000 irish immigrants who joined the army of the north during _ who joined the army of the north during america's civil war. and among — during america's civil war. and among them one or two of them were my relatives _ among them one or two of them were my relatives as well. they signed up in a new— my relatives as well. they signed up in a new land to stand for old values, — in a new land to stand for old values, to— in a new land to stand for old values, to defend freedom and the dignity— values, to defend freedom and the dignity of— values, to defend freedom and the dignity of all people. think about this, _ dignity of all people. think about this, naming another country, dignity of all people. think about this, naming anothercountry, in whatever— this, naming anothercountry, in whateverthe this, naming anothercountry, in whatever the languages that use the word dignity as much as we irish used _ word dignity as much as we irish used the — word dignity as much as we irish used the word dignity. it matters. my dad _ used the word dignity. it matters. my dad used to say, everybodyjoey, evervbodv _ my dad used to say, everybodyjoey, everybody is entitled to be treated with dignity no matter who they are. president _ with dignity no matter who they are. president kennedy honour their courage — president kennedy honour their courage and sacrifice by presenting to this _ courage and sacrifice by presenting to this body the flag of the irish

brigade. — to this body the flag of the irish brigade, which hangs out here to this very— brigade, which hangs out here to this very day. like when i was honoured _ this very day. like when i was honoured received a irish flag teacher— honoured received a irish flag teacher during the st. patrick's day celebration of washington. it was flown _ celebration of washington. it was flown to— celebration of washington. it was flown to commemorate the irish who first raised _ flown to commemorate the irish who first raised the tricolor in ireland 175 years — first raised the tricolor in ireland 175 years ago and subsequently made its way— 175 years ago and subsequently made its way to— 175 years ago and subsequently made its way to america, where he led the irish its way to america, where he led the irish brigade — its way to america, where he led the irish brigade in the civil war battle~ _ irish brigade in the civil war battle. these symbols holding a place _ battle. these symbols holding a place of — battle. these symbols holding a place of honour in leinster house and the _ place of honour in leinster house and the white house. connections that are _ and the white house. connections that are revocable and shape the understanding of the world and our hope that— understanding of the world and our hope that we put in it. our story reminds— hope that we put in it. our story reminds us, _ hope that we put in it. our story reminds us, our history, yours and mine _ reminds us, our history, yours and mine reminds— reminds us, our history, yours and mine reminds us of the responsibility we have in the present _ responsibility we have in the present. to the hopes of our ancestors. _ present. to the hopes of our ancestors, to the expectation of future _ ancestors, to the expectation of future generations. because you know what it— future generations. because you know

what it means to fight for democracy. today ireland and the united _ democracy. today ireland and the united states are standing together to oppose brushes brutal aggression and support the very people in ukraine — and support the very people in ukraine. applause. i spent many days in ukraine _ ukraine. applause. i spent many days in ukraine. president kennedy said 60 years— in ukraine. president kennedy said 60 years ago and i quote "ireland pursues _ 60 years ago and i quote "ireland pursues an— 60 years ago and i quote "ireland pursues an independent course in foreign _ pursues an independent course in foreign policy but it is not neutral between — foreign policy but it is not neutral between liberty and tierney and it never _ between liberty and tierney and it never will — between liberty and tierney and it never will be. " thank you for that. 0ver— never will be. " thank you for that. over the _ never will be. " thank you for that. over the past year ireland has proved — over the past year ireland has proved him right. the speaker said ireland _ proved him right. the speaker said ireland has— proved him right. the speaker said ireland has stood proudly with the united states and the partners around — united states and the partners around the world for liberty against

tvrannv _ around the world for liberty against tyranny. islands committed more than 170 million _ tyranny. islands committed more than 170 million euros in nonlegal aid to ukraine, _ 170 million euros in nonlegal aid to ukraine, including protective gear, medical— ukraine, including protective gear, medical and aid to minimise the impacts— medical and aid to minimise the impacts of— medical and aid to minimise the impacts of war on food insecurity and child — impacts of war on food insecurity and child malnutrition. you don't forget, _ and child malnutrition. you don't forget, you — and child malnutrition. you don't forget, you have memories that go deep _ forget, you have memories that go deep as— forget, you have memories that go deep as a — forget, you have memories that go deep. as a member of the european union _ deep. as a member of the european union ireland is working together with the — union ireland is working together with the united states and other partners — with the united states and other partners to hold russia accountable for its _ partners to hold russia accountable for its actions, including through significant — for its actions, including through significant sanctions and control. i don't _ significant sanctions and control. i don't put — significant sanctions and control. i don't put in — significant sanctions and control. i don't put in for over 25 years, putin— don't put in for over 25 years, putin thought the world would look the other— putin thought the world would look the other way —— putin. was confident— the other way —— putin. was confident he would break nato and the european union. the unity of western— the european union. the unity of western nations would fracture and fall at _ western nations would fracture and fall at the _ western nations would fracture and fall at the moment of testing, that's— fall at the moment of testing, that's what he thought. but he was wrong _ that's what he thought. but he was wrong he — that's what he thought. but he was wrong. he was wrong on every point in every— wrong. he was wrong on every point in every front. today we are more united _ in every front. today we are more united and — in every front. today we are more united and more determined than other— united and more determined than other to _ united and more determined than other to defend the values that make us strong _

other to defend the values that make us strong. applause. and i want to sincerely thank you for ireland's vital leadership last year and — for ireland's vital leadership last year and the for ireland's vital leadership last yearand the un for ireland's vital leadership last year and the un security council. working — year and the un security council. working together ireland in the united — working together ireland in the united states help change the way us sanctions _ united states help change the way us sanctions are implemented —— un sanctions — sanctions are implemented —— un sanctions to make sure they do not hamper— sanctions to make sure they do not hamper humanitarian efforts the new year mandatory and carve out will make _ year mandatory and carve out will make sanctions more effective and save lives — make sanctions more effective and save lives for the ireland support for ukraine is especially meaningful because _ for ukraine is especially meaningful because you carried out moral authority— because you carried out moral authority with nations around the world _ authority with nations around the world. ireland has always been a voice _ world. ireland has always been a voice for— world. ireland has always been a voice for liberty, global cooperation and equality of all mankind _ cooperation and equality of all mankind. because ireland remembers the terrible _ mankind. because ireland remembers the terrible cost of war, you build international credibility as peacekeepers, stepping out continuously to serve in the un peacekeeping missions since

ireland's_ peacekeeping missions since ireland's first deployment in 1958. because _ ireland's first deployment in 1958. because ireland remembers what it means— because ireland remembers what it means you — because ireland remembers what it means you have to flee home leaving evervthing _ means you have to flee home leaving everything behind to begin to get foreign _ everything behind to begin to get foreign shores without the irish people — foreign shores without the irish people generously opened up their hearts— people generously opened up their hearts and home and you welcomed 80.000 _ hearts and home and you welcomed 80,000 ukrainian refugees. i would argue _ 80,000 ukrainian refugees. i would argue that _ 80,000 ukrainian refugees. i would argue that the rest of the world has an obligation to help you maintain that as _ an obligation to help you maintain that as well. because ireland remembers how painful hollows and -reat remembers how painful hollows and great hunger in today global hunger and food _ great hunger in today global hunger and food security as well for the 20% _ and food security as well for the 20% of— and food security as well for the 20% of a — and food security as well for the 20% of a budget to defendant hunger and in _ 20% of a budget to defendant hunger and in a _ 20% of a budget to defendant hunger and in a moment where people around the world _ and in a moment where people around the world are struggling with the economics followed of the pandemic, russia's_ economics followed of the pandemic, russia's war in ukraine, ireland is growing _ russia's war in ukraine, ireland is growing and — russia's war in ukraine, ireland is growing and expanding its help to vulnerable people, especially partner — vulnerable people, especially partner nations across africa i particularly want to thank you for

stepping — particularly want to thank you for stepping up alongside the united states— stepping up alongside the united states to help unicef and the world health _ states to help unicef and the world health organization fight malnutrition and child wasting for the ireland's contribution of 50 million euros has helped to prevent and treat— million euros has helped to prevent and treat racing i'm a child wasting and treat racing i'm a child wasting and supply, — and treat racing i'm a child wasting and supply, ready to use therapeutic food and _ and supply, ready to use therapeutic food and reach a half a million children— food and reach a half a million children in— food and reach a half a million children in africa. one half million children. you are changing lives. ireland _ children. you are changing lives. ireland also remembers as i do that piece _ ireland also remembers as i do that piece is _ ireland also remembers as i do that piece is indispensable. peace is a necessary— piece is indispensable. peace is a necessary foundation for progress, for growth, — necessary foundation for progress, for growth, for unlocking the enormous potential that exists in every— enormous potential that exists in every part— enormous potential that exists in every part of this ireland green island — every part of this ireland green island. this week marks a vital milestone _ island. this week marks a vital milestone for peace. 25 years ago the belfast good friday agreement, 25 years _ the belfast good friday agreement, 25 years ago one of my best friends in the _ 25 years ago one of my best friends in the senate in a great friend to this day— in the senate in a great friend to this day is— in the senate in a great friend to this day is george mitchell, as he said there — this day is george mitchell, as he said there are 300 days of failure, 700 is— said there are 300 days of failure, 700 is a _ said there are 300 days of failure,

700 is a failure and one day of success — 700 is a failure and one day of success. but as was success that one day for— success. but as was success that one day for the — success. but as was success that one day for the moors to be done. yesterday— day for the moors to be done. yesterday i was in belfast to order those _ yesterday i was in belfast to order those that— yesterday i was in belfast to order those that commit themselves to peace _ those that commit themselves to peace to— those that commit themselves to peace. to reiterate the enduring good _ peace. to reiterate the enduring good friday agreement in northern islands— good friday agreement in northern islands democratic institutions. and help accelerate the enormous economic growth that is opening new futures— economic growth that is opening new futures for— economic growth that is opening new futures for young people in northern ireland _ futures for young people in northern ireland put— futures for young people in northern ireland put up as i pointed out, there _ ireland put up as i pointed out, there are — ireland put up as i pointed out, there are literally hundreds and corporations ready to come in and invest— corporations ready to come in and invest but— corporations ready to come in and invest but they are cautious because they are _ invest but they are cautious because they are institutions are not in place — they are institutions are not in place you _ they are institutions are not in place you must never forget that piece _ place you must never forget that piece even as it's become a lived reality— piece even as it's become a lived reality for— piece even as it's become a lived reality for an entire generation of young _ reality for an entire generation of young people, peace is precious. it still needs— young people, peace is precious. it still needs its champions, still needs— still needs its champions, still needs to — still needs its champions, still needs to be nurtured. the good friday— needs to be nurtured. the good friday agreement didn't change it 'ust friday agreement didn't change it just change lives are better in northern— just change lives are better in northern ireland, it played a significant positive impact the cost the republic of ireland as well. taoiseach as and i discussed last

month— taoiseach as and i discussed last month in— taoiseach as and i discussed last month in washington and again today how ireland and the united states can work— how ireland and the united states can work together with the united kingdom — can work together with the united kingdom and the european union to support— kingdom and the european union to support the people in northern ireland — support the people in northern ireland i— support the people in northern ireland. i think that the united kingdom — ireland. i think that the united kingdom should be working closer with ireland in this effort. political— with ireland in this effort. political violence was never again be allowed to take hold. applause. presumptuous of me to say from the united _ presumptuous of me to say from the united states but that must be the -oal united states but that must be the goal which guides us in all our efforts — goal which guides us in all our efforts. because the greatest piece of the _ efforts. because the greatest piece of the good friday agreement is an entire _ of the good friday agreement is an entire generation of young people for the _ entire generation of young people for the entire generation of young people. _ for the entire generation of young people, hearts have been shaped not by grievances of the past but by confidence that there are no checkpoints on their dreams. there are writing —

checkpoints on their dreams. there are writing a — checkpoints on their dreams. there are writing a new future for the future — are writing a new future for the future of — are writing a new future for the future of unlimited possibilities. for too— future of unlimited possibilities. for too long ireland has talked about— for too long ireland has talked about in— for too long ireland has talked about in the past tense. we tell old stories— about in the past tense. we tell old stories of— about in the past tense. we tell old stories of days gone by, it's good to remember. stories of irish creative — to remember. stories of irish creative genius, scholars, poets and politicians— creative genius, scholars, poets and politicians and in the face of it they— politicians and in the face of it they are — politicians and in the face of it they are good stories. let's face it. they are good stories. let's face it but _ they are good stories. let's face it but as— they are good stories. let's face it. but as the poet boland wrote in her palm _ it. but as the poet boland wrote in her palm mother ireland she said, i admire _ her palm mother ireland she said, i admire mv— her palm mother ireland she said, i admire my name, i remembered it, now icould— admire my name, i remembered it, now i could tell— admire my name, i remembered it, now i could tell my— admire my name, i remembered it, now i could tell my story. it was different _ i could tell my story. it was different from the stories told about — different from the stories told about me. " was up today ireland's story— about me. " was up today ireland's story is— about me. " was up today ireland's story is no— about me. " was up today ireland's story is no one to tell but its own. at the _ story is no one to tell but its own. at the united states will be your closest — at the united states will be your closest partner, your most dependable partner and you most enthusiastic supporter every step of the way, _ enthusiastic supporter every step of the way, i— enthusiastic supporter every step of the way, i promise you. we've always been _ the way, i promise you. we've always been and _ the way, i promise you. we've always been and we —

the way, i promise you. we've always been and we been together and we are --oin been and we been together and we are going to _ been and we been together and we are going to continue to grow our enormous _ going to continue to grow our enormous economic as a foundation for both— enormous economic as a foundation for both our— enormous economic as a foundation for both our nations prosperity. again _ for both our nations prosperity. again i — for both our nations prosperity. again i continue to strengthen our economies, pulling them from the bottom _ economies, pulling them from the bottom out in the middle out. yesterday and always already ireland draws _ yesterday and always already ireland draws a _ yesterday and always already ireland draws a significant proportion of investment from the united states of america _ investment from the united states of america. the same is true for ireland's_ america. the same is true for ireland's into the united states of america. — ireland's into the united states of america, which is the ninth most significant — america, which is the ninth most significant investment in any nation in the _ significant investment in any nation in the world in america. we share more _ in the world in america. we share more than — in the world in america. we share more than $1 trillion in bilateral trade _ more than $1 trillion in bilateral trade and — more than $1 trillion in bilateral trade and investment in 21. more than _ trade and investment in 21. more than 950 — trade and investment in 21. more than 950 american companies, international headquarters in ireland, _ international headquarters in ireland, supporting hundreds of thousands ofjobs. 700 hours companies located in 50 states employ— companies located in 50 states employ more than 100,000 people in the united _ employ more than 100,000 people in the united states of america. together ireland and the united states— together ireland and the united states are building a future of greater— states are building a future of greater economic dignity, one where

rights _ greater economic dignity, one where rights of— greater economic dignity, one where rights of workers are respected, corporations pay their fair share. applause. global minimum tax will continue fair competition for investing while creating _ fair competition for investing while creating benefits for all our people _ creating benefits for all our people. i have no doubt the thriving economic— people. i have no doubt the thriving economic relation between our country— economic relation between our country is _ economic relation between our country is going to continue to grow — country is going to continue to grow i'm _ country is going to continue to grow. i'm grateful for ireland's partnership in delivering the game changer— partnership in delivering the game changer international agreement. similarly, — changer international agreement. similarly, the deep connection always— similarly, the deep connection always needs to be between the people — always needs to be between the people and the land for that is translated into a commitment to fi-ht translated into a commitment to fight crime climate crisis to preserve _ fight crime climate crisis to preserve our planet for future generations. the single most existential threat to the world is climate — existential threat to the world is climate change. we don't have a lot of time _ climate change. we don't have a lot of time for— climate change. we don't have a lot of time for them and that is a fact. even _ of time for them and that is a fact. even recognising america. i've flown over more _

even recognising america. i've flown over more territory in the united states— over more territory in the united states has— over more territory in the united states has not been president and a helicopter, — states has not been president and a helicopter, that is been burned to the ground and comprises the entire state of— the ground and comprises the entire state of maryland. equal to the entire — state of maryland. equal to the entire state of maryland. ireland's same _ entire state of maryland. ireland's same as— entire state of maryland. ireland's same as 40 shades of green are being supplemented by green energy, green agriculture, greenjobs. make no mistake. — agriculture, greenjobs. make no mistake, the entire world season is drawing _ mistake, the entire world season is drawing to — mistake, the entire world season is drawing to the opportunities that exist— drawing to the opportunities that exist on— drawing to the opportunities that exist on this island, skill workers, the highest — exist on this island, skill workers, the highest tech infrastructure, the innovators— the highest tech infrastructure, the innovators who are breaking barriers for that _ innovators who are breaking barriers for that the — innovators who are breaking barriers for that the connection and kinship we should — for that the connection and kinship we should notjust the united states but countries around the globe. i know— but countries around the globe. i know you — but countries around the globe. i know you all know but maybe sometimes we forget, ireland is a hotbed _ sometimes we forget, ireland is a hotbed of— sometimes we forget, ireland is a hotbed of cutting edge science, research, — hotbed of cutting edge science, research, emerging technologies and can influence so much of our shared future~ _ can influence so much of our shared future for— can influence so much of our shared future. for real. working in partnership with ireland, the united states— partnership with ireland, the united states together the european union and like—minded players around the world _ and like—minded players around the world ago— and like—minded players around the world ago to ensure that those technologies are grounded in the same _ technologies are grounded in the same core — technologies are grounded in the same core value we are a champion

for so _ same core value we are a champion for so long — same core value we are a champion for so long. democracy, human rights, — for so long. democracy, human rights, freedom of opportunity for everyone. — rights, freedom of opportunity for everyone, notjust for rights, freedom of opportunity for everyone, not just for some, rights, freedom of opportunity for everyone, notjust for some, for everyone — everyone, notjust for some, for everyone. you know, i hadn't planned on running _ everyone. you know, i hadn't planned on running for— everyone. you know, i hadn't planned on running for president again in 2020 _ on running for president again in 2020 my— on running for president again in 2020. my son bo had just died from coming _ 2020. my son bo had just died from coming back from iraq after a year. he was— coming back from iraq after a year. he was attorney general of delaware. as a matter— he was attorney general of delaware. as a matter of fact, he should be the ones — as a matter of fact, he should be the ones standing here giving the speech _ the ones standing here giving the speech. but you know, i started to write _ speech. but you know, i started to write a _ speech. but you know, i started to write a book— speech. but you know, i started to write a book talking about how technology has always change the world _ technology has always change the world and we are in an inflection point _ world and we are in an inflection point in — world and we are in an inflection point in the _ world and we are in an inflection point in the world. and the technology have been changing so rapidly _ technology have been changing so rapidly and things so significantly that it _ rapidly and things so significantly that it wasn't so much it led any country. — that it wasn't so much it led any country. it— that it wasn't so much it led any country, it was the changes that were _ country, it was the changes that were just — country, it was the changes that were just happening at incredible speed. _ were just happening at incredible speed, incredible speed. look what's happening _ speed, incredible speed. look what's happening with artificial intelligence right now. it holds

enormous promise and enormous concern~ — enormous promise and enormous concern. ourworld enormous promise and enormous concern. our world stands as an inflection— concern. our world stands as an inflection point, with the choices we make — inflection point, with the choices we make today are literally going to determine _ we make today are literally going to determine the future for the history of this— determine the future for the history of this world for the next four to five decades. literally, not figuratively. we are at one of those points _ figuratively. we are at one of those points for— figuratively. we are at one of those points for that i hadn't professor at school — points for that i hadn't professor at school said in an inflection point — at school said in an inflection point is — at school said in an inflection point is when you're writing on the highway— point is when you're writing on the highway at — point is when you're writing on the highway at 60 mph could you make a radical— highway at 60 mph could you make a radical town, highway at 60 mph could you make a radicaltown, six highway at 60 mph could you make a radical town, six trees 2 degrees in one direction, you can never get back— one direction, you can never get back on— one direction, you can never get back on the _ one direction, you can never get back on the course drawn. that's where _ back on the course drawn. that's where we — back on the course drawn. that's where we are as a world. as we meet these _ where we are as a world. as we meet these struggles and continue to cast a shadow— these struggles and continue to cast a shadow of our world. the struggle between _ a shadow of our world. the struggle between the rights of many and the desires _ between the rights of many and the desires of— between the rights of many and the desires of the few. between liberty and oppression. i know i get criticised _ and oppression. i know i get criticised for same is around the world _ criticised for same is around the world but— criticised for same is around the world but democracy and autocracy, it is a _ world but democracy and autocracy, it is a competition that is real. and _ it is a competition that is real. and we — it is a competition that is real. and we are _

it is a competition that is real. and we are called to this workjust as every— and we are called to this workjust as every generation before us has been _ as every generation before us has been in — as every generation before us has been. in this moment the world needs ireland _ been. in this moment the world needs ireland and _ been. in this moment the world needs ireland and the united states and our limitless imaginations. i met more _ our limitless imaginations. i met more with— our limitless imaginations. i met more with choosing pink than any other— more with choosing pink than any other world leader has over the last ten years _ other world leader has over the last tenvears -- — other world leader has over the last ten years. —— she xi jinping. other world leader has over the last ten years. —— she xijinping. 91 hours— ten years. —— she xijinping. 91 hours on— ten years. —— she xijinping. 91 hours on just _ ten years. —— she xijinping. 91 hours onjust one—on—one hours on just one—on—one conversations. hours onjust one—on—one conversations. 68 in person. i travelled _ conversations. 68 in person. i travelled miles with him through asia, _ travelled miles with him through asia, china, he once asked me, "can you divide _ asia, china, he once asked me, "can you divide america for me? this is gods _ you divide america for me? this is gods truth~ _ you divide america for me? this is gods truth. i said "yes, i can in one-word — is gods truth. i said "yes, i can in one-word "if— is gods truth. i said "yes, i can in one—word. "if you ask me ireland could _ one—word. "if you ask me ireland could say— one—word. "if you ask me ireland could say the same thing, one—word. possibilities — could say the same thing, one—word. possibilities. we believe anything is possible when we set our mind to it and _ is possible when we set our mind to it and we _ is possible when we set our mind to it and we do— is possible when we set our mind to it and we do it together. this is the united _ it and we do it together. this is the united states of america and ireland, — the united states of america and ireland, there is nothing beyond our capacity— ireland, there is nothing beyond our capacity if— ireland, there is nothing beyond our capacity if we do it together. we've -ot capacity if we do it together. we've got to _ capacity if we do it together. we've got to believe that, we got to know

that because that's the history of both our— that because that's the history of both our countries. this is about defending — both our countries. this is about defending the values handed down by our ancestors without keeping the flame _ our ancestors without keeping the flame of— our ancestors without keeping the flame of freedom, the beacon that will guide — flame of freedom, the beacon that will guide our children and grandchildren. it's a struggle we were _ grandchildren. it's a struggle we were fit— grandchildren. it's a struggle we were fit to — grandchildren. it's a struggle we were fit to fight together. now hi is ireland — were fit to fight together. now hi is ireland and the united states, now is— is ireland and the united states, now is their time to meet every challenge — now is their time to meet every challenge together. i really mean is. challenge together. i really mean is to _ challenge together. i really mean is to raise — challenge together. i really mean is. to raise together, to rise up in ourjovs _ is. to raise together, to rise up in ourjovs and — is. to raise together, to rise up in ourjoys and our trials with up to preserve — ourjoys and our trials with up to preserve together and persevere through— preserve together and persevere through sorrows and setbacks, to dream _ through sorrows and setbacks, to dream together for horizons we can see. dream together for horizons we can see and _ dream together for horizons we can see and to — dream together for horizons we can see. and to build together a future that maybe doesn't exist put up a future _ that maybe doesn't exist put up a future that can be. you know, as i mentioned — future that can be. you know, as i mentioned today, shame as he needs birthdav _ mentioned today, shame as he needs birthdav i_ mentioned today, shame as he needs birthday. i was always quoting in irish poetry in the irish senate over— irish poetry in the irish senate over my— irish poetry in the irish senate

over my career it's a long career, 36 years— over my career it's a long career, 36 years with my colleagues always said because of ours, that's another reason _ said because of ours, that's another reason. they're the best pilot in the world — reason. they're the best pilot in the world. ireland the best among them _ your husband and thank you for sending — your husband and thank you for sending me the autographed copy. my favourite _ sending me the autographed copy. my favourite poem is secure maturely for the _ favourite poem is secure maturely for the you — favourite poem is secure maturely for the you all know the words. you've — for the you all know the words. you've heard it so many times. he wrote, _ you've heard it so many times. he wrote, don't— you've heard it so many times. he wrote, don't hope on the side of the grave _ wrote, don't hope on the side of the grave but— wrote, don't hope on the side of the grave but then once—in—a—lifetime that long — grave but then once—in—a—lifetime that long tidal wave ofjustice can rise up— that long tidal wave ofjustice can rise up and — that long tidal wave ofjustice can rise up and hope in history ride for

that is everything i've been taught. rise up _ that is everything i've been taught. rise up. we made the pass and hope in history— rise up. we made the pass and hope in history around. ladies and gentlemen, as we celebrate the enduring — gentlemen, as we celebrate the enduring partnership between our nations, _ enduring partnership between our nations, our shared past, our president. _ nations, our shared past, our president, let's set our eyes squarely— president, let's set our eyes squarely on the future. let's harness— squarely on the future. let's harness what's best for us. our courage. — harness what's best for us. our courage, our creativity, our loyalty, _ courage, our creativity, our loyalty, our tenacity and our loyalty— loyalty, our tenacity and our loyalty again. let's once more for our generation and the generation to come _ our generation and the generation to come strive — our generation and the generation to come strive to make hope and history rhvme _ come strive to make hope and history rhvme for— come strive to make hope and history rhyme for the i've never been more optimistic— rhyme for the i've never been more optimistic about the future than i am todav~ — optimistic about the future than i am today. and i'm at the end of my career. and — am today. and i'm at the end of my career, and at the beginning. the only thing — career, and at the beginning. the only thing i— career, and at the beginning. the only thing i bring to this career after— only thing i bring to this career after my— only thing i bring to this career after my aged as you can see, how old i_ after my aged as you can see, how old i am. _ after my aged as you can see, how old i am. a — after my aged as you can see, how old i am, a little bit of wisdom. i

come _ old i am, a little bit of wisdom. i come to— old i am, a little bit of wisdom. i come to the _ old i am, a little bit of wisdom. i come to the job with more experience than any— come to the job with more experience than any president in american historv~ — than any president in american history. doesn't make me better or worse _ history. doesn't make me better or worse but _ history. doesn't make me better or worse but it— history. doesn't make me better or worse but it gives me few excuses. -- gives— worse but it gives me few excuses. -- gives me — worse but it gives me few excuses. -- gives me a _ worse but it gives me few excuses. —— gives me a few excuses. applause. this is— —— gives me a few excuses. applause. this is one _ —— gives me a few excuses. applause. this is one of— —— gives me a few excuses. applause. this is one of the great honours of my career— this is one of the great honours of my career to — this is one of the great honours of my career to be here today. and i mean _ my career to be here today. and i mean it— my career to be here today. and i mean it from the bottom of my heart. you have _ mean it from the bottom of my heart. you have no— mean it from the bottom of my heart. you have no idea what this, my greatest — you have no idea what this, my greatest regret, under the sun like a kid _ greatest regret, under the sun like a kid but _ greatest regret, under the sun like a kid but my mum is not here to hear it my— a kid but my mum is not here to hear it. my greatest regret is my grandfather finnegan, who was an irish american whose grandfather his own finnegan made the effort. he was a great _ own finnegan made the effort. he was a great athlete, went to santa clara university— a great athlete, went to santa clara university and he was a newspaper luy university and he was a newspaper guy on— university and he was a newspaper guy on the — university and he was a newspaper guy on the business side. i never understood — guy on the business side. i never understood what he meant when he

said "joey. — understood what he meant when he said "joey. i— understood what he meant when he said "joey, iworry understood what he meant when he said "joey, i worry about you. "he leaned _ said "joey, i worry about you. "he leaned over— said "joey, i worry about you. "he leaned over and it's a pop, what he worried _ leaned over and it's a pop, what he worried about? he said you are too much, _ worried about? he said you are too much, you're — worried about? he said you are too much, you're too much like that guy who led _ much, you're too much like that guy who led the — much, you're too much like that guy who led the revolution. he said the luy who led the revolution. he said the guy who _ who led the revolution. he said the guy who was a prime minister. i said who? _ guy who was a prime minister. i said who? i_ guy who was a prime minister. i said who? i he _ guy who was a prime minister. i said who? i he said you got to be less like the _ who? i he said you got to be less like the military guy, they shot him _ like the military guy, they shot him more _ like the military guy, they shot him. more like the valera. applause. folks, _ him. more like the valera. applause. folks. i_ him. more like the valera. applause. folks, i really mean it we could do so much — folks, i really mean it we could do so much we — folks, i really mean it we could do so much. we really can. it doesn't even _ so much. we really can. it doesn't even break— so much. we really can. it doesn't even break down the ideology. it breaks— even break down the ideology. it breaks down in faith in ourselves, our values — breaks down in faith in ourselves, ourvalues. because no breaks down in faith in ourselves, our values. because no matter what party— our values. because no matter what party you _ our values. because no matter what party you belong to, our values are the same — party you belong to, our values are the same. it's about honesty and

dignity. — the same. it's about honesty and dignity, justice. and you all have every— dignity, justice. and you all have every ingredient to make it work. it's every ingredient to make it work. it's an— every ingredient to make it work. it's an honour to be here. thank you very much — it's an honour to be here. thank you very much. applause. applause. cheering.

presidentjoe biden... we might say four more years we can be quite sure but thank you for your wonderful address. be quite sure but thank you for your wonderfuladdress. mr be quite sure but thank you for your wonderful address. mr president, be quite sure but thank you for your wonderfuladdress. mr president, on behalf of the members i thank you for honouring us today with your presence and for addressing both house. can i sincerely thank ambassador cronan who in her tenure here has served your country with distinction and we thank you most

sincerely. from your address today and from your visit, notjust this week but in previous times it is obvious you have a genuine personal pride in your ancestry. i'm sure all of us in the chamber will reflect in the member of the irish diaspora in america who share that same sense of pride. your presence in this chamber and bite your address today acknowledges the story of immigration as the shared story of our two nations. i do hope mr president that we can see immigration and the ours without further during your term of office. this week we as a nation turn another page of history together. by commemorating the 25th anniversary of the good friday agreement. it's important that we salute the

architects of the good friday agreement and we thank them today. we welcome your visit,... hello and welcome to sportsday — i'm hugh ferris. the headlines this evening. breaking away from our coverage in dublin. a historic moment in boxing... as a new intenrational body is set up to try and secure its olympic future... i think the sport will be dead if we lose it. we are fighting to keep it for our grandchildren. gambling sponsors will be gone from premier legaue shirts as the clubs agree to drop them from 2026. the grand national is all about the big fences... but on day one of the festival constitution hill conquers the hurdles yet again...

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