His Excellency, David Gill, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, and His Excellency, Aslak Brun, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway presented their Letters of Credence to President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin today.
His Excellency, David Gill, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany was accompanied by Mr. Christian Resch, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany.
His Excellency, Aslak Brun, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway was accompanied by his spouse Ms. Synnøve Roald, and Mr. Yngve Olsen Hvoslef, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Norway.
Mr. Sean Fleming T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs with responsibility for International Development and Diaspora represented the Government at the ceremony.
The following were also present: Ms. Orla O’Hanrahan, Secretary General to the President; Ms. Fiona Penollar, Director General, Citizen Services Division, Department of Foreign Affairs; Dr. Eamonn McKee, Chief of Protocol, Department of Foreign Affairs; Col. Stephen Howard, Comdt. Brian Walsh, Comdt. Deirdre Newell and Capt. Pol O’Donnell, Aides-de-Camp to the President; and Mr. Joe Brennan, Protocol, Department of Foreign Affairs.
The Ambassadors were accompanied to and from Áras an Uachtaráin by an Escort of Honour consisting of a motorcycle detachment drawn from the 2 Brigade Cavalry Squadron, Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin, under the command of Lieutenant Clare Murphy.
A Guard of Honour was provided at Áras an Uachtaráin by the 28 Infantry Battalion, Finner Camp, Co. Donegal, under the command of Lieutenant Gavin Morrissey.
Lieutenant Emelia Mleczko from 28 Infantry Batallion, Finner Camp, Co. Donegal was the flag officer.
Captain Tom Kelly conducted the No. 1 Army Band, which is based in Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin.