It is my pleasure to welcome H.E. David Gill to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery. Germany's Unity Day commemorates the reunification of Germany on 3 October 1990 when the former German Democratic Republic joined the Federal Republic of Germany, creating a single German state for the first time since 1945. The ambassador is joined by his colleague from the embassy. I apologise; I do not have their name. He is also joined by Deputy Jen Cummins, who I think is the convenor of the group. You are very welcome.
The links between Ireland and Germany stretch back to the 7th century when Irish missionary monks travelled to German-speaking lands to spread Christianity. Among them was St. Kilian, who became the patron saint of Würzburg and the Apostle of Franconia, helping to forge enduring ties between our two countries. Those connections remain strong today. There is a vibrant German community in Ireland. Germany is twinned with Limerick for the European Presidency. I am delighted the ambassador has visited Limerick so many times. I am sure he will be there many times again. Many Irish people have also made Germany their home.
Irish culture also has a visible presence across Germany through 12 GAA clubs and a range of academic and cultural initiatives that continue to strengthen links between our two countries. Ireland and Germany enjoy a close partnership based on shared European values and priorities. Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union presents a valuable opportunity to further strengthen that co-operation.
Economic relations between our countries continue to flourish. Germany is Ireland's third-largest trading partner globally and our largest within the European Union. Irish companies employ more than 40,000 people in Germany, while German companies support almost 15,000 jobs in Ireland. I extend my best wishes to ambassador Gill and all at the German embassy, to the German community in Ireland and to German people around the world as they celebrate Unity Day. I hope you have a good day and the celebration goes well. I thank them for being here.