Great Tribute to Václav Havel in the Irish Parliament
19.08.2015 / 17:35 | Aktualizováno: 29.12.2017 / 20:44
(This article expired 03.01.2020 / 13:15.)
In mid-June 2015, in a significant and symbolic moment for Czech-Irish relations, a bronze bust of Václav Havel by the sculptor Marie Šeborová was unveiled in Dáil Eireann, the Irish Parliament. After the United States of America, Ireland became only the second country in the world where a national legislative assembly decided to permanently honour the legacy of former Czech and Czechoslovak President Havel.
In 2015 Václav Havel received a singular Irish and European honour. A bronze bust honouring his legacy was permanently installed in Leinster House, the seat of the Irish Parliament. Aside from in the US Congress, this represents only the second time in which a national parliament anywhere in the world has bestowed such a significant honour on the renowned playwright and former Czech President. This bust, the work of sculptor Marie Šeborová, has a prominent location in the Committee Rooms’ reception area.
This gift was presented to the Irish Parliament by Art for Amnesty, on behalf of Amnesty International, to mark the 25th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution and the 78th birthday of Václav Havel. The project was initiated and co-ordinated by the prominent Irish barrister and founder of Art for Amnesty, Bill Shipsey.
Members of both chambers of the Irish Parliament, as well as selected guests, attended the unveiling of the bust at its prestigious location on 18th June 2015. This event was organised by Mr Seán Barrett, Ceann Comhairle - Chairperson of Dáil Eireann. Distinguished guests included Chairman of the Irish Senate Paddy Burke, as well as Senator Ivana Bacik, several former Irish Ambassadors to the Czech Republic, representatives of the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and members of the Czech community in Ireland.
During the ceremony speeches were made by Chairperson Barrett and the Czech Ambassador, Hana Mottlová (text of speech – see Appendix). In his speech Mr. Barrett paid homage to the life and work of Václav Havel, as well as thanking Art for Amnesty for their generous gift to the Irish government and nation. He also acknowledged Bill Shipsey and the members of the Czech community in Ireland who raised the funds associated with the commissioning of the bust at a benefit held in March 2015. It is intended that this bust will serve as a reminder of the importance of freedom, democracy, integrity and honesty.
The bust of Václav Havel by sculptor Marie Šeborová
Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann Seán Barrett and Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann Paddy Burke
From left: Ruairi Quinn, Seán Barrett, Hana Mottlová, Bill Shipsey
Dominic Hannigan, Hana Mottlová, Ivana Bacik
Bill Shipsey and Marie Šeborová
Follow us on