Welcome by Minister McEntee to delegates to the Council of Europe gala dinner, Dublin Castle

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We are in a building of significant historical symbolism to Ireland, a setting I feel is entirely appropriate for a Council of Europe evening.

A little over 100 years ago, on 16 January, 1922 at 1.45pm, Dublin Castle was the site of the formal transfer of power from the UK Representative, the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, to the new Irish Provisional Government.

That is a moment that marked the start of our State.

As we celebrate our centenary, it is natural, of course, to look back over the past 100 years and consider how far we, as a nation, have come.

We do so with some pride.

We have - at first slowly and then more quickly - become an open and diverse country, one that celebrates and integrates new traditions and cultures to help create the history of our shared future.

As a small nation at the edge of Western Europe, we have developed the ability and the influence to consistently make a mark on the international stage, to become a voice that is listened to, respected.

But while the centenary celebrations have allowed for reflection, in reality there is little time to rest on our laurels.

Instead, we must focus on the Ireland we want to be, much more than the Ireland we currently are, striving to improve, to better ourselves, looking at where we need to go and at what more we need to do – for our citizens, and for those around Europe and further afield who might look to us for leadership, for guidance, and for assistance.

Which is why the topic we chose for our two-day conference is so apt.

We must all work to combat every form of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, at both national and international level.

Ending domestic, sexual and gender-based violence isn’t an option for us – it is an obligation.

Working together, as the Council of Europe, we can continue to set the standards and encourage others to follow.

We can change the future for countless women and girls - and by doing so help create a shared future to be proud of.

I want to thank each and every one of you for your constructive engagement today.

I hope this dinner, which I’m sure will showcase Ireland’s excellence in culinary skills, affords you the opportunity to relax and engage with each other in a more social setting.

Tomorrow, our important work continues, and I look forward to further engagement with you all.

Before I say Bon Appétit, I would like to hand over to my colleague, the Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney, who will introduce our keynote speaker.