2023 A Year in Review

A YEAR IN REVIEW 2023

President Michael D. Higgins

FOREWORD

I am pleased to offer this report detailing some of the work of the Office of the President over the course of 2023.

I opened the year with the opportunity of travelling to Senegal in January following an invitation from the President of Senegal and serving Chairperson of the African Union, Macky Sall, and the President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, to deliver both an opening and closing address at the Dakar 2 Summit, ‘Feed Africa: Food Sovereignty and Resilience’.

Food security, and the vital importance of moving beyond emergency responses and of finally addressing the core structural issues which cause repeat famines, has been a core interest of mine for a number of decades. Visiting Somalia during the famine of 1992, I saw first-hand the horrific impact of these issues. This is a theme to which I returned in the opening and closing addresses which I was invited to deliver by the President of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, Dr. Qu Dongyu, at the World Food Forum in Rome in October.

Global hunger is one of a number of interacting crises facing our world – including climate change, involuntary migration, rising inequality and war –which I discussed in my meetings with Pope Francis and the President of Italy Sergio Mattarella during my visit to Rome, with my fellow non-executive European Presidents at the annual meeting of the Arraiolos Group hosted by the President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, as well as with the President of the United States, Joe Biden and the President of Malta, George Vella during their visits to Ireland over the course of the year.

These are matters which I know are also of interest to King Charles III, and I was pleased to have the opportunity of becoming the first Irish Head of State to attend the crowning of a British monarch in May.

That occasion was a reflection of the mutual respect which now exists between our nations and which must be maintained.

2023 of course marked the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement, which I was pleased to host a special reception at Áras an Uachtaráin to recognise the important role played by women in ending the decades of violence in Northern Ireland.

The year also marked the 25th anniversary of the Omagh bombing, the 30th anniversary of the Shankill Road Bombing, and a further year of a reminder of the loss of so many other lives over the course of those decades.

Internationally, we saw how violence continues to dominate in so many parts of our world, including in the horrific violence carried out by Hamas against ordinary civilians on October 7th, as well as the devastation of lives and infrastructure in Gaza in the response that followed.

In meeting with the families of some of those held hostage, representative of those who have lost their lives in Palestine, as well as the Director General of the World Health Organisation, it was clear just how vital it is that such violence is brought to an end and the underlying causes of it resolved.

Closer to home, 2023 saw far too many lives lost on our roads. In attending the funerals of a number of people who lost their lives to road traffic accidents, as well as hosting families of those who have lost their lives at an event in Áras an Uachtaráin to mark World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, I saw once again the devastating impact which such events have on so many lives, and the vital need which exists to ensure we reduce such deaths.

Finally, I believe it is important to recognise once more the many challenges facing the Traveller community in Ireland. It was an honour to attend a screening of the documentary ‘Patrick: A Young Traveller Lost’ and to meet with the parents of the late Patrick McDonagh, who lost his life at just 12 years of age. I believe it is vital that all efforts are made to provide appropriate supports to our Traveller community, as well as to tackle the scourge of bullying that damages far too many young lives.

For those interested, there is more information on all of these engagements, as well as many more, both in this publication and on the president.ie website. The website also provides up to date information

throughout the year on my engagements, including an extensive library of speeches, publications, photographs and news releases. I hope that they will prove of interest to you.

Míle buíochas.

Michael

D. Higgins Uachtarán na hÉireann President of Ireland

President Michael D. Higgins

A YEAR IN REVIEW 2023

President Michael D. Higgins opens the 2023 BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition

On 11 January, President Higgins opened the 2023 BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition.

Following two virtual events in 2021 and 2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the event returned to the RDS, Dublin 4 for the 2023 exhibition.

The event brings together some of the country’s brightest young minds as they compete to take home the title of BT Young Scientist & Technologist of the Year.

The President paid tribute to the competition for its ability to provide a platform for young people to showcase their talents, saying it is “at the pinnacle of scientific achievement and discovery amongst young people worldwide” and praised how “it encourages young people to push the boundaries outwards and applying their creative energy and curiosity to a constant exploration of how the world around them can be improved”.

President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina meet some of the students who participated in the 2023 BT Young Scientist and Technolog y Exhibition

Images courtesy of Fennell Photography

President Michael D. Higgins interviewed by Students from St. Kevin’s National School, Littleton, Co. Tipperary to mark the 20th anniversary of RTÉ news2day.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of RTÉ news2day, students from St. Kevin’s National School in Littleton, Co. Tipperary visited Áras an Uachtaráin on 17 January where they asked the President questions submitted by the programme’s viewers.

In a wide-ranging interview, the President discussed his thoughts on homework, the importance of friendship and his dreams as a 9 year old.

The President was interview by 5th and 6th class pupils: Leah Hartigan, Jack Delaney, Gemma Dempsey and Michael O'Reilly.

As part of their visit, the students also met with the President’s dog Bród.

The full interview with the President was broadcast on the RTÉ News channel and on the RTÉ Player.

Official Visit to Dakar, Republic of Senegal

On Monday, 23 January the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins commenced a four day Official visit to the Republic of Senegal.

The President travelled to Senegal at the invitation of the President of Senegal and current Chairperson of the African Union, Macky Sall, and the President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, to deliver both an opening and closing address at the Dakar 2 Summit, ‘Feed Africa: Food Sovereignty and Resilience’, which took place from Wednesday, 25 January to Friday, 27 January.

The President was accompanied on the visit by his wife Sabina and the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs with special responsibility for International Development and Diaspora, Seán Fleming T.D.

On Tuesday, 24 January the President held a bilateral meeting with President Sall in the Palais Présidentiel in Dakar. At their meeting, the two Heads of State discussed a range of topics relevant to the Dakar 2 Summit, including structural issues surrounding food security, climate change and climate justice, desertification, human rights, empowering women, and the importance of multilateral institutions in achieving these goals.

The President also conveyed the deepest sympathies of the people of Ireland to President Sall following the significant loss of life in two major road traffic accidents in Kaffrine and Louga earlier in the month.

Following his meeting with President Sall, President Higgins travelled to Gorée Island, where he was accompanied by the Mayor of Gorée Island, Augustin Senghor, on a guided tour of the ‘Maison des Esclaves’ from the Curator of the Museum, Eloi Coly, and the Director of the Gorée Institute, Doudou Dia.

President Michael D. Higgins and President Macky Sall at Palais Présidentiel

Gorée Island, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Africa, was a key slave-trading centre on the African coast from the 15th to 19th Century. ‘La Maison des Escalves’ and its Door of No Return is a museum and memorial dedicated to the victims of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, with previous visitors including President Nelson Mandela, Pope John Paul II and President Barack Obama.

Later in the week the President delivered two addresses at the Dakar 2 Summit – an opening address on Wednesday entitled “To Make a New Journey of Sufficiency – From Our Origin, Africa” and a closing speech on Friday entitled “Going Forward with Best Approaches”.

The Summit brought together 25 African Heads of State and Government, Government Ministers and Governors of Central Banks, as well as multilateral organisations, NGOs, private sector stakeholders, academics and scientists. At the end of the Summit, commitments were made by Heads of States to Food and Agriculture Delivery Compacts to achieve zero hunger, as well as financing frameworks for them.

In addition to his addresses, President Higgins held a number of bilateral meetings at the Summit with fellow Heads of State, including the President of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari and the President of Sierra Leone Julius Maada Bio, as well as with the President of the African Development Bank Dr. Akinwumi Adesina and the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development Alvaro Lario. He also attended a number of events hosted by individual Heads of State on the development of the Food and Agriculture Delivery Compacts for their countries.

President Higgins receives a guided tour of ‘La Maison des Escalves’ on Gorée Island

President Michael D. Higgins delivers the opening address ‘To Make a New Journey of Sufficiency – From Our Origin, Africa’ at the Dakar 2 Summit

President attends a meeting for Food and Agriculture Delivery Compacts held by H.E. Julius Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone 26 January 2023

President hosts bilateral meeting with Julius Maada Wonie Bio, President of Sierra Leone 25 January 2023

President hosts bilateral meeting with Dr. Alvaro Lario, President of the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) 26 January 2023

President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins visit the Dakar Museum the Museum of Black Civilisations 27 January 2023

President hosts bilateral meeting with Muhammad Bihari, President of Nigeria 25 January 2023

President Michael D. Higgins delivered the closing address at the Africa Food Summit Conference Feed Africa Food Sovereignty and Resilience 27 January 2023

President Michael D. Higgins receives Ms. Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, on a courtesy call at Áras an Uachtaráin

On 3 February, the President received the President of the European Parliament, Ms. Roberta Metsola on a courtesy call at Áras an Uachtaráin. The Presidents discussed a number of topics, including President Higgins’ recent trip to Senegal and the importance of global food security.

President Michael D. Higgins receives Mr. Gregory Doran, Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company on a courtesy call

On 7 February, the President and Sabina received Mr. Gregory Doran, Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company at Áras an Uachtaráin who presented the President with a copy of his book ‘The Shakespeare Almanac’.

President Michael D. Higgins receives Mr. James Morrissey of Claddagh Records on a courtesy call

On 9 February, the President met with James Morrissey, Chairman of Claddagh Records, who made a presentation to the President in recognition of his contribution to the album 'Patrick Kavanagh: Almost Everything...'

The special video created for President Higgins' reading of Patrick Kavanagh’s Stony Grey Soil on the Almost Everything album can be viewed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvNLxhROA8U

Sabina Higgins, President Michael D. Higgins and Ms. Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament

President Michael D. Higgins, Ms. Roberta Metsola, Sabina Higgins and Bród

Mr. Gregory Doran, President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins

Mr. James Morrissey and President Michael D. Higgins

President Michael D. Higgins visits Mulroy College, Milford, Co. Donegal

On 10 February, President Higgins visited Mulroy College, Milford where he praised staff and students for their "tenacity and courage" in the aftermath of the Creeslough tragedy in October 2022. Two of the victims of the explosion, Leona Harper (14) and James Monaghan (13) were students of the college.

The President also visited the Northlands Centre in Derry and he attended the President’s Cup Final, which was contested between Derry City FC v Shamrock Rovers FC.

President Michael D. Higgins receives author Mr. Thomas Keneally on a courtesy call

On 15 February, the President received author Mr. Thomas Keneally at Áras an Uachtaráin. Mr. Keneally presented the President with a copy of his book ‘Fanatic Heart’.

Mr. Keneally is best known for his book ‘Schindler’s Ark’, which was adapted into the film ‘Schindler’s List’.

Students from Mulroy College, Donegal Image courtesy of Clive Wasson Photography

Mr. Thomas Keneally and President Michael D. Higgins

President Michael D. Higgins receives Mr. Dermot Looney on a courtesy call

On 21 February, the President received Mr. Dermot Looney and former Republic of Ireland and St. Patrick’s Athletic Manager, Mr. Brian Kerr at Áras an Uachtaráin.

Mr. Looney presented the President with a copy of his book 'Saints Rising: The Early History of St. Patrick's Athletic FC'.

President Higgins is a strong supporter of the League of Ireland and previously served as President of Galway United FC.

President Michael D. Higgins receives Mr. Desmond Morris on a courtesy call

President Higgins received zoologist, ethologist and painter Desmond Morris on a courtesy call at Áras an Uachtaráin.

Mr. Morris who now lives in Newbridge, Co. Kildare, is best known for his book ‘The Naked Ape’.

Mr. Brian Kerr, President Michael D. Higgins and Mr. Dermot Looney

President Michael D. Higgins and Mr. Desmond Morris

President Michael D. Higgins receives Team Captains ahead of FAI Women’s President’s Cup

The League of Ireland began its 2023 women’s season, with the first women’s edition of the President’s Cup. The game saw 2022 League and Cup double winners Shelbourne face Athlone Town, who finished second in both competitions, at Athlone Town Stadium.

Ahead of the game, the President and Sabina Higgins received both club captains, Laurie Ryan of Athlone Town and Shelbourne's Pearl Slattery at Áras an Uachtaráin on Thursday, 23 February.

President hosts a screening of “An Buachaill Geal Gáireach/The Laughing Boy”

On 23 February, the President and Sabina Higgins hosted a special screening of An Buachaill Geal Gáireach/The Laughing Boy, written and presented by Theo Dorgan and directed by Alan Gilsenan, at Áras an Uachtaráin.

The film tells the story of Brendan Behan’s song The Laughing Boy; written in memory of Michael Collins, and it’s afterlife as the Greek anthem To Yelasto Pedi in resistance to Greece’s military dictatorship.

February, 2023 marked the 100th birthday of the birth of Brendan Behan on 9 February, 1923.

Sabina Higgins, Laurie Ryan, President Michael D. Higgins and Pearl Slattery

Theo Dorgan (Writer) and Kathryn Baird, President Michael D. Higgins, Catherine Gilsenan and Alan Gilsenan (Director)

Alan Gilsenan introduces An Buachaill Geal Gáireach/The Laughing Boy

President Michael D. Higgins welcomes H.E. Dr. George Vella, President of Malta, and Mrs. Miriam Vella on a State Visit

The President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins and Sabina welcomed the President of the Republic of Malta, H.E. Dr. George Vella, and his wife, Mrs. Miriam Vella on a three-day State Visit to Ireland, from Wednesday, 1 March to Friday, 3 March.

The State Visit by President Vella reciprocated the State Visit of President Higgins to Malta in May 2022, and served to strengthen the historical, cultural, educational and diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Following the ceremonial welcome a bilateral meeting took place between the two Heads of State. After the meeting, President Vella planted an Irish Oak tree in the grounds of Áras an Uachtaráin and rang the Peace Bell.

Among the topics that the two Presidents discussed were:

• The illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine;

• Migration, North Africa and the Sahel;

• Food Security following President Higgins’ attendance at the Dakar II summit in Senegal;

• Climate Change and the need to restore its centrality to the agenda;

• EU-UK relations;

• Neutrality as an EU Member State given the neutral status of both Ireland and Malta;

• UN Security Council including Malta’s work to date and priorities as a member, particularly in relation to rising sea levels;

• Areas for future cooperation including in Culture and Higher Education and technological exchange.

President Vella and Mrs. Vella returned to Áras an Uachtaráin in the evening for a State Dinner in their honour, hosted by President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins.

On Thursday, the President and Sabina accompanied President Vella and Mrs. Vella on their visit to Cork where they attended engagements at City Hall and at University College Cork.

On Friday, President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina attended a return hospitality event at Farmleigh House, Phoenix Park, hosted by President Vella and Mrs. Miriam Vella.

President Michael D. Higgins and President Vella visit the Honan Chapel in University College Cork

Sabina Higgins, President Michael D. Higgins, H.E. Dr. George Vella and Mrs. Miriam Vella

President Michael D. Higgins receives Professor Terence Dooley on a courtesy call

On 9 March, President Higgins received Professor Terence Dooley on a courtesy call at Áras an Uachtaráin.

Professor Dooley presented the President with a copy of his book 'Burning the Big House'.

Professor Terence Dooley, Director of the Centre for the Study of Historic Irish Houses and Estates (CSHIHE) at Maynooth University, has led a suite of new initiatives for the final phase of the Decade of Centenaries, to explore the burning of Irish Country Houses during the period 1920-1923.

President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina host a lunch celebrating the 50th anniversary of the National Women’s Council

On 14 March, the President and Sabina Higgins hosted a lunch celebrating the 50th Anniversary of The National Women’s Council.

President Higgins has been a long-time advocate of gender equality and women’s rights. In 2015 the President committed to being a HeForShe Champion at the invitation of then-UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, in support of UN Sustainable Development Goal number 5 - to end gender-based violence.

President Michael D. Higgins and Mr. Terence Dooley

President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins with members of the National Women's Council

President Michael D. Higgins host a St. Patrick’s Day reception celebrating Irish Film, AudioVisual and Performing Arts Communities

Each year, the President and Sabina Higgins mark St. Patrick's Day by hosting a reception for groups and people that have made a particular contribution to Irish society.

This year the President and Sabina Higgins hosted a reception in Áras an Uachtaráin celebrating Ireland’s Film, Audio-Visual and Performing Arts Communities. 2023 marks the 30th anniversary of the re-establishment of Bord Scannán na hÉireann, the Irish Film Board during President Higgins’ term as Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht.

The reception took place following a record 14 Irish nominations at the Academy Awards which took place the previous weekend. Those in attendance included director Ross White and actor James Martin, the winner of the Oscar for Best Live-Action Short Film, ‘An Irish Goodbye’.

As part of the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, the President and Sabina attended Mass in the Pro-Cathedral and the St. Patrick’s Day parade on O’Connell Street, Dublin. The President also delivered his St. Patrick’s Day Message to the people of Ireland and the Irish Diaspora.

Sabina Higgins, Catherine Clinch (Actress), Ross White (Director/Writer), James Martin (Actor), President Michael D. Higgins and Brendan Gleeson (Actor)

President Michael D. Higgins host the HerStory Exhibition on ‘Peace Heroines’

On 29 March, the President and Sabina Higgins hosted a special display of the ‘Peace Heroines’ exhibition, curated by HerStory, at Áras an Uachtaráin.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday (Belfast) Agreement, which was signed on 10 April, 1998. In recognition of this anniversary, the President hosted an event in honour of the significant and essential contribution that women have made to the critically important task of peacebuilding on the island of Ireland.

The exhibition, which consists of a series of information panels and portraits commissioned and curated by HerStory, celebrates the role of women in the building of peace in Northern Ireland from grassroots up to government levels.

In so doing, it captures a diversity of voices and perspectives, featuring 30 women’s stories, including Bridget Bond, Monica Patterson, Ruth Agnew, Bernadette Devlin McAliskey, Inez McCormack and Dr. Mo Mowlam amongst others.

Central to the exhibition are nine large portraits by the visual artist FRIZ, featuring Pat Hume, Bronagh Hinds, Eileen Weir, Susan McCrory, Saidie Patterson, Monica McWilliams, Pearl Sagar, Anne Carr and Baroness May Blood.

A number of those featured in the portraits were in attendance at the event, including Bronagh Hinds, Susan McCrory, Monica McWilliams and Anne Carr. Also in attendance were Áine Fryers, Kate Fearon, Joanne Fitzpatrick and Liz O’Donnell, each of whom are among the 30 women’s stories featured in the exhibition.

The event was addressed by President Higgins and Professor Monica McWilliams, co-founder of the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition and one of just two women at the table of the All-Party talks discussing the future of Northern Ireland.

In his address, President Higgins said: “In our hosting of the ‘Peace Heroines’ exhibition, curated by HerStory, here at Áras an Uachtaráin, we acknowledge and pay tribute to what was an important and emancipatory contribution.

President Michael D. Higgins - HerStory Exhibition on 'Peace Heroines'

The Women’s Coalition, in its rejection of traditional partisan sources of division within what was maledominated politics, played a vital role in the delivery of an alternative context that could carry the Good Friday Agreement. Its founders, drawn from both of the main opposing traditions, sought to work together, transcending the old tribal divides, and focussing instead on creating a common, agreed, shared future, united by the cause of bringing women’s concerns to the negotiating table, and ensuring an inclusive peace accord.

Groups such as the Shankill Women’s Centre and the Falls Women Centre – formed as locally based groups to provide education for women, but who have since gone on to flourish and develop into their current roles as key providers for training, health awareness, childcare and young women’s activities in the Greater Shankill and West Belfast areas respectively – are the peaceful future, playing an important, indeed vital role, in the promotion and achievement of a sustainable, inclusive warm future in Northern Ireland for all...

We have an obligation to work towards the goal of moving peace from paper to experience, to the texture of lives lived that carry the remembered experience of terrible loss, cruelty, humiliation and indifference. This can only be done with the inclusion of women at the core of every step of this process, their voices, their rich experiences and their expertise.

Yes, we have achieved much on this island by working together for a peaceful resolution, to face up to historical wrongs, to heal the painful wounds of what we refer to as the ‘Troubles’, but there remains so much to be done to achieve an island at lasting peace with an ability to recall ethically, transact that history, and to live harmoniously together.

I know that the women of Ireland, North and South, will continue to rise to this challenge, as they have done on so many occasions before, as we carve out a future of sustained, inclusive peace and reconciliation on our shared island. Let us celebrate then the great contribution that women have made, to building and sustaining peace, to inclusion, equality and sustainable society and economy, and let us commit to working together to build on this progress, helping to end all forms of discrimination and inequality on an island at peace.”

President Michael D. Higgins receives Dónal de Róiste and Family

On 30 March, President Higgins received Mr. Dónal de Róiste and members of his family and friends on a courtesy call at Áras an Uachtaráin.

President Higgins invited Mr. de Róiste to Áras an Uachtaráin in recognition of the apology which Mr. de Róiste received from the Minister for Defence on 7 December 2022, for the distress which he has suffered over five decades, and his long pursuit to clear his good name.

In his apology, the Minister for Defence apologised to Mr. Dónal de Róiste on behalf of the Government for the distress and upset suffered over the years by Mr. de Róiste, who was retired by the Defence Forces in 1969. The apology followed a review carried out by Mr. Niall Beirne, SC who concluded that Mr. de Róiste’s dismissal was not in accordance with the law.

The Minister’s statement acknowledged the long-standing interest that President Higgins has taken in Mr. de Róiste’s case.

At the event, President Higgins read and presented to Mr. de Róiste a letter in which the President welcomed the findings of Mr. Beirne’s review and the apology which Mr. de Róiste has now received.

The President referred to the tremendous personal toll which the original decision had caused to Mr. de Róiste and his family, and stated that it was his hope that the findings of the review, its acceptance by Government, and the subsequent apology by Government will bring some peace to Mr. de Róiste, to his family and to his supporters.

President Michael D. Higgins and Mr. Dónal de Róiste

President Michael D. Higgins attends Comórtas Craobh Siansa Gael Linn 2023

On 2 April, the President and Sabina Higgins attended the Siansa Gael Linn Symphony Championship for young traditional Irish music and singing groups. The President presented the Gael Linn Trophy to the competition winners.

Fáilte mhór á cur ag lucht freastail SIANSA roimh an Uachtarán Micheál D. Ó hUigínn agus Saidbhín Uí Uigínn

An tUachtarán Micheál D. Ó hUigínn ag bronnadh trófaí SIANSA Gael Linn ar Jeaic Ó Duilín ón ngrúpa BINNEAS, Co. an Chláir

An tUachtarán Micheál D. Ó hUigínn agus Cáit Ní Ghiolla Chainnigh ón ngrúpa ARMÓIN, Co. Mhaigh Eo

An tUachtarán Micheál D. Ó hUigínn agus Saidhbhín Uí Uigínn le foireann Gael Linn, Ó chlé: Mairéad Ní Neachtain, Pádhraic Ó Ciardha, Saidbhín agus an tUachtarán, Mairéad Ní Thiománaigh agus Réamonn Ó Ciaráin

BINNEAS, Co an Chláir, a bhain comórtas SIANSA 2023 leis an Uachtarán Micheál D. Ó hUigínn agus a bhean chéile Saidhbhín. Sa phictiúr chomh maith tá Cathaoirleach Gael Linn Pádhraic Ó Ciardha, Gearóid Mac Donncha, Ceannaire RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta agus an moltóir agus ceoltóir iomráiteach Niamh Ní Charra. Ar dheis tá Robert Heuston, Irish Music Magazine, agus Réamonn Ó Ciaráin, Príomhfheidhmeannach Gael Linn.

Images courtesy of Seán Ó Mainnín

President Michael D. Higgins receives the Governor General of New Zealand, H.E. Rt. Hon. Dame Cindy Kiro on a courtesy call

On 5 April, President Higgins received the Governor General of New Zealand, H.E. Rt. Hon. Dame Cindy Kiro at Áras an Uachtaráin on a courtesy call.

Dame Cindy Kiro is a former public health advocate and academic and became Governor-General of New Zealand in October 2021. She is the first Maori woman and the fourth woman to hold the office.

In October 2017, at the invitation of the New Zealand government, President Higgins undertook a State Visit to New Zealand to strengthen political, cultural and economic ties between the two nations, as well as to reach out to members of the Irish diaspora living in New Zealand.

President Michael D. Higgins attends Easter Sunday Commemorations

On 9 April, President Higgins led a ceremony to mark the 107th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising.

The President laid a wreath outside the General Post Office, the landmark building on O’Connell Street, Dublin, that served as the headquarters of the 1916 rebels.

On 3 May, the President and Sabina Higgins marked the occasion of the annual State Ceremony at Arbour Hill commemorating the Easter Rising, and the executed leaders of 1916.

Arbour Hill is the final resting place of the seven signatories of the Proclamation of the Republic: Padraig Pearse, James Connolly, Éamonn Ceannt, Joseph Plunkett, Seán MacDiarmada, Thomas MacDonagh and Tom Clarke, as well as other executed 1916 leaders.

President Higgins laid a wreath in remembrance and observed a minute silence.

A selection of the President’s speeches made during the 2016 centenary commemorations have been published by the Government: ‘Ceiliúradh agus Comóradh Céad Bliain 1916 – 1916 Centenary Commemorations and Celebrations’ holds 35 speeches by President Higgins.

The book is available via the Government Publications Office and as a free download.

President Michael D. Higgins and H.E. Rt. Hon. Dame Cindy Kiro

Image courtesy of Tom Honan Photography

President Michael D. Higgins welcomes Mr. Joe Biden, President of the United States

On 13 April, the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, and his wife Sabina welcomed the President of the United States of America, Joe Biden, to Áras an Uachtaráin. The visit formed part of President Biden’s official visit to Ireland.

Following the ceremonial welcome, a meeting took place between the two Heads of State. At their meeting, President Higgins welcomed President Biden back to Ireland at what was the third meeting between the two Heads of State at Áras an Uachtaráin. President Biden previously visited President Higgins in June 2016 during his term as Vice President, then again in September 2017 when President Higgins hosted him for lunch.

Following the meeting, President Biden planted an Irish oak tree in the grounds of Áras an Uachtaráin. In doing so, he followed in the footsteps of Presidents John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, each of whom have previously planted a tree on the grounds.

President Biden then rang the Peace Bell. This was particularly significant as President Biden’s visit took place in the week of the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. The Peace Bell was erected in 2008 to mark the 10th anniversary of the Agreement and has been rung by a wide range of distinguished visitors in the years since.

Before his departure, President Higgins introduced President Biden to a number of invited guests, representing Irish civil society. President Higgins also met with members of President Biden’s delegation and welcomed them to Ireland, including current and former Members of the United States Congress.

Sabina Higgins, President Michael D. Higgins and President Joe Biden

In a Statement following the meeting, President Higgins said:

“I was delighted to welcome President Biden back to Áras an Uachtaráin today, in what was his first visit as President of the United States.

The Irish people are very conscious of our strong connection to President Biden and I was pleased to acknowledge the warmth of the welcome which President Biden has already received in Louth and which I have no doubt he will receive tomorrow in Mayo, the two counties of his own closest heritage.

It is timely that President Biden is visiting not only on the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, but also in the year that marks the 60th anniversary of the visit of President John F. Kennedy to Ireland in June 1963.

Like so many Irish people, President Biden’s family emigrated to the United States in the mid-19th century and we remain very aware both of our links to those who emigrated in those times, and also those who have migrated to America and across the world in the decades since, and to the particular challenges which many of our diaspora continue to face.

At our meeting, President Biden and I exchanged views on a number a topics.

This year marks the half way point in the implementation timeframe for the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which were agreed in New York in 2015 with the aim of achieving them by 2030. From the outset, it has been clear that implementation of the SDGs, and responding to climate change in particular, requires a significant paradigm shift – one which would include changes at a multilateral, national and local level.

The global public have shown a strong identification with local environmental interests and made early steps towards the changes necessary. However, significant challenges remain at the national and international level, particularly in relation to the growth of unaccountable corporate power.

In this context, we discussed President Biden’s continuing support for the trade union movement, as well as his work to ensure sustainable change and transformation and a green transition through his economic policies, including in the automotive industry and investment in infrastructure expenditure.

I was also pleased to once again have the opportunity to discuss Irish artistic and cultural works with President Biden, and in particular our shared interest in Patrick Kavanagh - one of our greatest Irish poets whose work is so familiar to Irish migrants, in particular evoking, as it does, fields left behind and a spirit seeking freedom.”

President Joe Biden, President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins

President Michael D. Higgins plants a tree in memory of Tom Johnson (1872-1963)

On 27 April, ahead of May Day, President Higgins planted a tree in memory of Tom Johnson (18721963), author of the Democratic Programme of the Dáil. As Leader of the Irish Labour Party, Johnson was the First Leader of the Opposition, a role he served in from 1922 to 1927.

The tree planting formed part of a reception hosted by the President to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Irish Labour History Society. The Irish Labour History Society (ILHS) was established in 1973 to preserve the records and reminiscences, written and oral, of the Irish working class and its organisations. The event was attended by a number of leading figures form the Irish labour movement past and present.

President Michael D. Higgins hosts a reception to mark the 20th anniversary of TASC

On 28 April, the President and Sabina Higgins hosted a reception celebrating the 20th anniversary of TASC (the Think-tank for Action on Social Change).

TASC is an independent think-tank whose mission is to address inequality and sustain democracy by translating analysis into action.

The President said: “By engaging in research and public outreach concerning inequality, democracy, and climate justice, in the current political, economic, and social environment, TASC has increased public knowledge of economic and social policy, been a source of information and ideas as to the improvement of working conditions, and its work has been vital in the facilitation of a just transition to advance climate action and protect livelihoods and communities.

(Lto R) Micheál Collins, Paul Sweeney, Proinsias De Rossa, President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins, Mike Jennings, Bernard Harbor, Shana Cohen, Ciaran O’Mara, Keletso Malepe and Michelle O’ Sullivan

President Michael D. Higgins plants a tree in memory of Tom Johnson

President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina attend the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom

The President and Sabina Higgins attended the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, 6 May.

President Higgins is the first Irish Head of State to attend the crowning of a British monarch, reinforcing the importance of strong relations between Ireland and the United Kingdom.

The President and Sabina attended the State Funeral of King Charles’ mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in 2022.

On 5 May, the President and Sabina Higgins attended a reception at Buckingham Palace hosted by Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla on the eve of their coronation ceremony.

President Michael D. Higgins attends the Irish Film and Television Academy Awards Ceremony

The President and Sabina Higgins attend the Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA) Awards Ceremony in Dublin's Convention Centre.

As Minster for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, in the 1990s, President Higgins oversaw the refunding of An Board Scannáin – The Irish Film Board and the founding of TG4. Since then, the Irish film industry has thrived and a great body of original and inventive Irish work has emerged.

President Higgins and Sabina and HM King Charles III

Sabina Higgins and President Michael D. Higgins

Photo courtesy of Brian McEvoy for goss.ie

President Michael D. Higgins attends the opening night of ‘The Rose Tattoo’

On 11 May, the President and Sabina Higgins attended the opening night of ‘The Rose Tattoo’ by Tennessee Williams in a new translation by Vanessa Fielding and Catherine Joyce in The Complex, Dublin 7.

The production resets William’s play into a modern Irish Traveller context. Delving into matters of marginalisation, it highlights the power of love to redeem life.

World famous Uillean piper Paddy Keenan joined the cast to play live as part of each performance on the immersive set designed by the celebrated designer Sabine Dargent.

President Michael D. Higgins receives a Representative Group from the Crumlin Hospital Youth Advisory Panel

On 12 May, President Higgins welcomed members of the Youth Advisory Council of Children's Health Ireland to Áras an Uachtaráin. The young people, who have all been patients themselves, are using their experience to provide advice for improving the care of children in our hospitals.

President Michael D. Higgins view “The Pisreóg Project” exhibition

On 16 May, the President and Sabina Higgins visited the Pisreóg Project. The Pisreóg Project is a Traveller designed and led project that seeks to collect, document, and celebrate Pisreóga, superstitions, beliefs and traditions of the Traveller Community in Ballymun and the variances within these from family to family and from county to county.

President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins with cast: Christine Collins, Lloyd Cooney, Bairbre Ní Chaoimh, Shauna Higgins, Denise McCormack, Aisling O'Mara, Vanessa Fielding (Director), James Collins, David O’Meara and Paddy Keenan

President Michael D. Higgins with representatives from the Crumlin Hospital Youth Advisory Panel

President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins and Jessica McDonagh Image courtesy of Leon Farrell

President Michael D. Higgins attends the National Famine Commemoration 2023

On 21 May, President Higgins led the 2023 National Famine Commemoration Ceremony in Milford, Donegal.

The annual National Commemoration rotates between the four provinces of Ireland and this year the event was held in Ulster.

The President said:

“An Gorta Mór is a watershed in Irish history, constituting as it does the greatest social catastrophe in terms of mortality and suffering, one that has had profound consequences on demographics, politics, culture, religion, agriculture and industry.

The legacy of An Gorta Mór is complex, deep, wide, has many strands that have impacted on the Irish collective psyche as well as at the individual level. Its legacy is one of involuntary emigration, cultural loss, demoralisation and loss of confidence, both in terms of population and in terms of its impact on the Irish language and the marks this would have on the country, and in particular on Irish society, ramifications that still play out today on so many levels.”

Reflecting on the lessons of the Famine, the President said:

“We have a moral and ethical responsibility to support our global family in dire need, to help with sustainable solutions to ending all famines, wherever they occur on our shared, vulnerable planet, and to provide a decisive response to climate change which itself is leading to an increased incidence of famines globally.

Failure to act to prevent famines worldwide does not merely make an echo. It repeats and merely replicates the doctrines of inaction, moralism and laissez-faire policies that precipitated the Irish Famine, contributing to mass displacement such as that which we see now in Africa.”

President Michael D. Higgins visits the Coolmine Therapeutic Centre

On 19 May, the President visited the Coolmine Therapeutic Centre to mark their 50th Anniversary. Coolmine Therapeutic Centre provides a range of quality community and residential services to empower people and their families to overcome addiction and support their long term recovery.

National Famine Commemoration Photo courtesy of Clive Wasson Photography

President Michael D. Higgins

President Michael D. Higgins visits Lusk Junior and Senior National School

On 25 May, President Higgins visited Lusk Junior and Senior National School, Co. Dublin to attend a tree planting ceremony, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the school.

President Michael D. Higgins receives Dr. Glenn Denning and Dr. Francis Costello on a courtesy call

On 26 May, President Higgins received Dr. Glenn Denning and Dr. Francis Costello at Áras an Uachtaráin.

Dr. Glenn Denning is an Australian scientist, practitioner, and professor who has worked on agriculture and food security in Asia and Africa for over 40 years. He presented the President with a copy of his book ‘Universal Food Security: How to End Hunger While Protecting the Planet’.

Mrs. Pam and Dr. Glen Denning, President Michael D. Higgins, Dr. Francis and Mrs. Anne Costello

President Michael D. Higgins plants a tree at Lusk National School

President Michael D. Higgins receives artist Dolores Lynn on a courtesy call

On 26 May, the President and Sabina Higgins welcomed Irish artist Dolores Lynn to Áras an Uachtaráin on a courtesy call.

Award-winning artist and theatre designer Dolores Lyne marked the centenary of her grand-uncle Liam Lynch, Chief of Staff of the Anti-Treaty IRA, with exhibitions and talks across the county. The exhibition was inspired by a trove of personal letters written by Liam to his brother Tom, the letters covered the most dramatic and tragic events of his life in the War of Independence and the Civil War.

President Michael D. Higgins performs the official opening of Bloom 2023

President Higgins formally opened the annual 'Bloom' show in Dublin's Phoenix Park. The President is Patron of the festival, which attracts over 100,000 visitors each year. The President visited a number of show gardens and delivered a speech to formally open the festival.

President Michael D. Higgins

President Michael D. Higgins and Dolores Lyne

President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins and Dolores Lyne

President Michael D. Higgins unveils a plaque to mark Trim winning the 2022 Tidy Towns Competition

President Higgins visited Trim, to celebrate the town’s success in the 2022 Tidy Towns competition.

The President unveiled a plaque to commemorate the win, and paid tribute to the town's volunteers and community groups whose ideas and commitment form the heart of the initiative.

President Michael D. Higgins opens Esker Arts Centre, Tullamore

On 6 June, President Higgins officially opened the Esker Arts Centre in Tullamore, Co. Offaly.

The facility represents a major landmark in the advancement of the arts in the Midlands, providing spaces for professional and community-based artists across all of the disciplines of theatre, drama, visual arts, music and literature.

During their visit to Tuallmore, the President and Sabina Higgins also visited Accessible Counselling Tullamore.

Accessible Counselling Tullamore (ACT) is a community counselling centre that aims to provide an accessible and sustainable model of community-based counselling and psychotherapy services.

President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins Images courtesy of Barry Cronin Photography

President Michael D. Higgins Image courtesy of Paul Moore Photography

President Michael D. Higgins receives Mr. Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister of Luxembourg

On 13 June, President Higgins welcomed Mr. Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister of Luxembourg, to Áras an Uachtaráin on a courtesy call.

Mr. Bettel took office as Prime Minister in 2013. He was previously Mayor of Luxembourg City from 20112013.

President Michael D. Higgins receives Ms. Annita Demetriou, President of the House of Representatives of Cyprus

President Higgins welcomed Ms. Annita Demetriou, President of the House of Representatives of Cyprus, to Áras an Uachtaráin on a courtesy call.

Ms. Demetriou is a Greek Cypriot politician and as the first female Speaker of the House of Representatives in Cyprus.

President Michael D. Higgins presents 100th senior Republic of Ireland cap to James McClean

On 19 June, President Higgins attended the UEFA European Football Championship Qualifier between Ireland and Gibraltar senior men’s national teams. The President presented James McClean with his 100th cap before kick off.

President Michael D. Higgins and James McClean Image courtesy of Sportsfile

President Michael D. Higgins and Ms. Annita Demetriou, President of the House of Representatives of Cyprus

President Michael D. Higgins and Mr. Xavier Bettem, Prime Minister of Luxembourg

President Michael D. Higgins attends a ceremony in recognition of 3 Irish Missionaries for their humanitarian assistance to the people of Chile

On 28 June, at the invitation of His Excellency Mr. Ricardo Hernández, Ambassador of Chile, President Higgins attended a ceremony in recognition of humanitarian assistance provided to the people of Chile by the Irish Missionaries Fr. Brendan Forde, Fr. Desmond McGillicuddy and the late Fr. Liam Holohan.

The ceremony took place as part of the commemorations to mark the 50th anniversary of the coup d’état in Chile in 1973 and recognised the humanitarian aid delivered by the three missionaries while they lived and worked in Chile during the military dictatorship in the 1970s and 1980s.

Speaking at the event, President Higgins said:

“What these three men had in common was a profound compassion and solidarity, a deep-seated sense of social justice, and a yearning to help and serve the poorest and most vulnerable people in Chile who were experiencing the most appalling poverty and living under fearful conditions of authoritarian military rule.”

“May I take this opportunity to wish Fr. Forde, Fr. McGillycuddy and the relatives of Fr. Holohan my very best wishes for the future, and may I express, both on behalf of the Irish people and myself, a profound gratitude for their heroic work which improved the lives of so many vulnerable Chilean citizens.”

Sadly, Fr. Brendan Forde passed away shortly after the ceremony.

President Michael D. Higgins addresses the 2023 Biennial Delegate Conference of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions

On 4 July, President Higgins formally opened the biennial conference of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions in Kilkenny.

Officially opening the conference, the President said:

“Ireland’s record in the area of workers’ rights is a proud and celebrated one, one which now dates back over a century and is perhaps most famously documented through the 1913 Lockout, that major industrial confrontation between approximately 20,000 workers and 300 employers that took place in Dublin from 26th August 1913 to 18th January 1914, and is correctly viewed as a foundational industrial dispute in Irish history.”

“. . . Trade unions are championing and promoting values of inclusion, respect and equality, being proactive in denouncing any group that stirs hateful division, propagates misinformation. Trade unions must be steadfast in challenging the various forms of hate and discrimination when and where they appear; after all, that is their legacy...”

“. . . The union voice is needed now more than ever as we battle multiple crises in a rapidly changing world. “.

President Michael D. Higgins and Fr. Brendan Forde, RIP

President Michael D. Higgins addresses the ICTU conference

President Michael D. Higgins receives Mr. Alvaro Lario, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

On 5 July, President Higgins welcomed Mr. Alvaro Lario, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development, to Áras an Uachtaráin on a courtesy call.

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to eradicating poverty and hunger in rural areas of developing countries.

President Higgins also held a bilateral meeting with Mr. Alvaro in January at the Dakar 2 Summit, ‘Feed Africa: Food Sovereignty and Resilience’ in Senegal.

President Michael D. Higgins attends the funeral services of those who lost their lives in Co. Tipperary

On 31 August, President Higgins attended the funeral service of Nicole Murphy, RIP in Co. Tipperary.

On 1 September, President Higgins attended the funeral service for siblings Luke and Grace McSweeney, RIP, who were laid to rest in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, a week after they were killed in a road crash.

Later that day, the President attended the removal for Zoey Coffey RIP, Clonmel. Nicole, Luke, Grace and Zoey all lost their life in a road crash in Clonmel on Leaving Certificate results night Friday, 25 August 2023.

President Michael D. Higgins attends the National Day of Commemoration

On 9 July, the National Day of Commemoration commemorated all Irishmen and Irishwomen who died in past wars or on service with the United Nations. At the ceremony, the President laid a wreath on behalf of the people of Ireland, after which one minute of silence was observed.

The date for the National Day of Commemoration was chosen to be the nearest Sunday to July 11, which is the anniversary of the 1921 truce.

President Higgins has made the ethical commemoration of our past one of the core themes of his Presidency. To find out more about his work on this topic, see:

https://president.ie/en/news/article/ethicalremembrance

President Michael D. Higgins expresses his condolences to the Tipperary Rural Traveller Community

On 31 August, President Higgins met with Nuala Martin, Mags Casey and Ellen Harty to express his condolences to the Tipperary Rural Traveller Community following the tragic deaths of Thomas O’Reilly, Bridget O’Reilly and their grandson Tom O’Reilly in a road accident on Tuesday, 29th August.

President attended the funeral at St. John the Baptist Church, Cashel for Tom and Bridget Reilly and their grandson Tom Reilly RIP on 3 September 2023.

Mr. Alvaro Lario and President Michael D. Higgins

President Michael D. Higgins - Collins Barracks, Cork

President Michael D. Higgins makes a Statement on the 25th Anniversary of the Omagh Bombing

On 15 August, President Higgins issued the following statement to mark the 25th anniversary of the Omagh bombing:

“Omagh Relatives deserve all our support in the search for truth as to the Omagh bombing and have had too long a wait.

As President of Ireland, may I renew my profound sympathy and support to all those who lost loved ones in the devastation that was the Omagh bombing on 15 August 1998.

In remembering the 31 victims, including children, on that tragic day, along with those who suffered injuries, we realise how important the quest for the truth as to what happened is to all those relatives who were affected.

In offering our support for the relatives’ quest for the truth as to what happened on that day, I am acutely aware of how long they have waited.

It is so important for all involved that these truths be established fully and fairly, if we are to enable truly ethical remembrance as might assist reconciliation.

May I pay special tribute to all those who, despite the pain of those losses and injuries, by their extraordinary patience, courage and coming together have shaped a path towards peace and reconciliation. They have shown such courage and fortitude over the past 25 years.”

On 15 August 2018 in a ceremony of solidarity, the President and Sabina rang the Peace Bell at Áras an Uachtaráin to mark the 20th anniversary, as a gesture symbolising the importance of peace and reconciliation

President Michael D. Higgins receives Artist Robert Ballagh

On 11 September, artist Robert Ballagh presented the President and Sabina Higgins with an Artist’s Proof of his new print, ‘HQ Moore Street 1916’, at Áras an Uachtaráin.

The print depicts the scene in Number 16 Moore St. following the evacuation of the GPO garrison in 1916 and was commissioned by the Moore Street Preservation Trust.

President Michael D. Higgins receives H.E. Mr. Andrej Plenkovic, Prime Minister of Croatia

On 12 September, President Higgins received His Excellency Mr. Andrej Plenkovic, Prime Minister of Croatia, to Áras an Uachtaráin on a courtesy call.

Mr. Plenkovic has served as the prime minister of Croatia since October 2016.

In June 2013, President Higgins made a State Visit to Croatia, during which, he delivered an address at University of Zagreb entitled, ‘Reflecting on the future of Europe: A perspective after 40 years of Membership’.

President Michael D. Higgins receives Mr. Jagan Chapagain, Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)

On 12 September, President Higgins received Mr. Jagan Chapagain, Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), to Áras an Uachtaráin on a courtesy call.

The IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network, supporting local Red Cross and Red Crescent action in more than 191 countries, bringing together more than 16 million volunteers.

Mr. Jagan Chapagain, Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and President Michael D. Higgins

Sabina Higgins, President Michael D. Higgins and Mr. Andrej Plenkovic, Prime Minister of Croatia

Robert Ballagh, President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins

President Michael D. Higgins attends a Druid production of Sean O’Casey’s Dublin Trilogy

On 13 September, the President and Sabina Higgins attended the Abbey Theatre, Dublin, to view a Druid production of Sean O’Casey’s Dublin Trilogy: The Plough and the Stars, The Shadow of a Gunman, and Juno and the Paycock.

President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins and Cast. Image courtesy of Ste Murray Photographer

President Michael D. Higgins attends a Commemoration Service for all those who have died in service with An Garda Síochána

On 16 September, the President laid a wreath, on behalf of the people of Ireland, in remembrance of all those Garda members and staff who have lost their lives in service over the last 101 years.

The Commemoration Service was held in front of the refurbished Garda Monument of Remembrance at Garda Headquarters in the Phoenix Park. The refurbished Monument features the names of the more than 1,800 Garda personnel who have died whilst in service over the last century.

Those in attendance at the event included the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee TD, Minister of State James Browne TD, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, and family members and colleagues of those Gardaí who have lost their lives since the establishment of An Garda Síochána.

President Michael D. Higgins lays a wreath at the Garda Monument of Remembrance at Garda Headquarters in the Phoenix Park. Image courtesy of Garda Press Office

President Michael D. Higgins officially opens the National Ploughing Championships 2023

On 19 September, President Higgins formally opened the National Ploughing Championships, in Ratheniska, Co. Laois.

The President said:

“May I pay tribute to the people of Ratheniska, neighbouring farmers who generously provided acres of farmland for ploughing, exhibitions, and parking, to the entire infrastructure that makes ‘the Ploughing’ possible, An Garda Síochána, Laois County Council, and the numerous volunteers from all over the country who serve as judges, supervisors, and stewards. May I pay tribute to all the clubs and organizations that collaborated to create this joyful and inspiring event.

Over the next three days, we will have the chance to take part in this celebration of Irish rural life in the fullest sense, to connect with those close to nature, who care for it, opportunities too to explore the advice and innovations on offer for the achievement of the ecological, social and economic goals to which we are committed.

We are at a point of multiple crises. We are, all of us, as citizens, producers, consumers, farmers, asked to play a critical role in combating some of our greatest challenges, including climate change and biodiversity loss. Change is

not easy, but it is unavoidable for survival itself, and I applaud all of the efforts that are being made towards creating a sustainable future. I encourage our farmers to continue on the path of change, transcend difficulties by designing strategies of implementation, and lead the way in adopting sustainable practices that can be demonstrated as successes to the farming community, ones that safeguard our environment.”

President Michael D. Higgins hosts a performance by the White Horse Guitar Club to celebrate Culture Night, 2023

As in previous years, on 22 September, the President and Sabina Higgins opened Áras an Uachtaráin to the public for Culture Night.

Guests, who were allotted tickets through a lottery, were given an insight into the history of the official residence of the President of Ireland and enjoyed a cultural performance by the White Horse Guitar Club.

President Michael D. Higgins and Anna May McHugh, NPA Managing Director Image courtesy of Alf Harvey Photography

Culture Night, Áras an Uachtaráin - The White Horse Guitar Club

President Michael D. Higgins attends the 18th meeting of the Arraiolos Group of non-executive EU Presidents

At the invitation of H.E. Mr. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of the Portuguese Republic, President Higgins participated in a meeting of the ‘Arraiolos Group’ of non-executive EU Presidents on 6 October 2023. The meeting was attended by 14 Presidents of European Union Member States who discussed contemporary issues.

The Arraiolos Group is an informal meeting of non-executive Presidents of European Union Member States. Meeting once a year, the Arraiolos Group, named after the Portuguese town where the first meeting took place in 2003, provides a political forum for the Presidents of parliamentary republics in the EU to consider responses to the challenges facing their societies, and to promote the principles of multilateralism.

On 5 October, at his first official engagement as part of his trip to Portugal to attend the 18th annual meeting of the Arraiolos Group of non-executive European Presidents, President Higgins hosted a bilateral meeting with H.E. Dr. George Vella, President of Malta and later with H.E. Mr. Alar Karis, President of the Republic of Estonia. The President then travelled to the Palácio do Freixo for a bilateral meeting with H.E. Mr. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of the Portuguese Republic.

President Michael D. Higgins and President George Vella

President Alar Karis and President Michael D. Higgins

President Michael D. Higgins and President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa

On 9 October, President Higgins issued the following Statement on the horrific violence on October 7th

“May I, as President of Ireland, lend my voice to those internationally that have called for an immediate end to the killing which has, since Saturday following Hamas’ attack on Israel and the response to it, included so many civilians, young people and children, as well as older members of families.

Any attacks on innocent civilians, such as those horrific scenes witnessed at the Supernova music festival and elsewhere, are deeply reprehensible. Further attacks, and reprisals of the same degree, will lead to further loss of innocent life. Such actions will not lead to such a constructive approach as might achieve the necessary conditions for the co-existence of all in conditions of peace, for which we must all aspire.

Diplomatic failure to meaningfully address a conflict, one that has been raised every year at the United Nations, is bearing a terrible fruit for all those involved. The absence of positive engagement has made a stone of the heart of so many. It should remind us that it is the responsibility of all of us to return and to engage with all of the sources of conflict, accepting the right of Israel to defend itself, and of Palestinian people to enjoy the rights to which they are entitled.

Those international voices who have called for an end to the further loss of civilian life, for restraint, realise how difficult this is to achieve. Yet, if out of the worst of circumstances something is to be achieved, it requires an immediate urgent engagement by neighbours and the international bodies so as to achieve the ceasing of attacks on communities and their civilian infrastructure.

Any response, and indeed the resolution to what is an ongoing conflict, one that has been neglected and is now manifesting itself with new horrific consequences, must be in accordance with international law, humanitarian needs and respect for the decisions of the United Nations, whom I would call upon to act with urgency.

What the families of the civilians entrapped in these circumstances are going through must be of concern to us all. I join with the Irish Government in their concern for all of the civilians at risk in Israel and in Gaza and join in their call for a ceasing of the violence and the protection of the lives of innocent civilians.

I send my deepest condolences to all of the families of the victims, and our thoughts at this time are, in particular, with the family of Kim Damti our fellow citizen.”

18th meeting of the Arraiolos Group of non-executive EU Presidents

President

Michael D. Higgins

delivers Opening Statement at the 2023 World Food Forum

At the invitations of the Director General of the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), Dr. QU Dongyu, President Higgins participated in the World Food Forum (WFF), held at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations in Rome from Monday, 16th to Friday, 20th October 2023.

The President delivered a speech on Monday afternoon at the WFF grand opening ceremony and later in the week delivered the keynote address at the closing ceremony on the Friday afternoon. President Higgins was also invited to participate as a keynote speaker at the 43rd observance of the World Food Day, also at FAO HQ, on the morning of Monday 16th October.

In his opening statement to the Forum, the President said:

“This Forum is one of truly immense importance, focused as it is on issues relating to food security, addressing the necessary transformation of our agri-food systems so that they may be fit for purpose to address urgent current challenges, indeed interacting crises.

Our meeting highlights the importance of taking into account responsible collaboration between the current and next generation, of their combined ingenuity in science, technology and innovation, and investments in key areas of food and agriculture, of there being no borders to the application of science and technology.

The outcome of this Forum, should it yield successful output in terms of policy and consensus, could be truly emancipatory for those growing numbers across the world who are living with food insecurity.”

President Michael D. Higgins meets the UN World Food Programme Executive Director, Cindy McCain

On 16 October, President Higgins held a bilateral meeting with the UN World Food Programme Executive Director, Cindy McCain.

The appointment of Ms. McCain as Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), was announced in March 2023 by the United Nations SecretaryGeneral António Guterres and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Director General Qu Dongyu.

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organisation saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. A member of the UN family, WFP is governed by an Executive Board consisting of 36 Member States, which provides intergovernmental support, direction and supervision of WFP’s activities. Ireland had a seat on the Executive Board for 20232024; membership is on a rotational basis.

President Michael D. Higgins and Ms. Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the UN World Food Programme

President Michael D. Higgins speaking at the FAO

President Michael D. Higgins meets H.E. Sergio Mattarella, President of the Italian Republic

On 17 October, President Higgins travelled to the Palazzo del Quirinale for a bilateral meeting with H.E. Sergio Mattarella, President of the Italian Republic.

The meeting was proceeded with a Military Honours Ceremony where the President inspected a Guard of Honour.

President Michael D. Higgins attends a reception for the Irish Community in Rome

On the occasion of President Michael D. Higgins’ visit to Rome, H.E. Patricia O’Brien, Ambassador of Ireland to Italy and H.E. Frances Collins, Ambassador of Ireland to Holy See, hosted a reception at the Villa Spada, the residence of the Ambassador of Ireland to Italy, for representatives of the Irish community in Italy on 17 October 2023.

President Michael D. Higgins meets Mr. Alvaro Lario, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development

On 18 October, President Higgins held a bilateral meeting with Mr. Alvaro Lario, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development.

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to eradicating poverty and hunger in rural areas of developing countries.

Ireland is a founding member of IFAD and has contributed US$63.6 million to the Fund’s regular resources since it was established in 1977.

President Michael D. Higgins and Mr. Alvaro Lario, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development

President Michael D. Higgins and President Sergio Mattarella

H.E. Patricia O'Brien, Ambassador of Ireland to Italy, President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins and H.E. Frances Collins, Ambassador of Ireland to Holy See

President Michael D. Higgins meets His Holiness Pope Francis

On 19 October, President Higgins, met with His Holiness Pope Francis at a Private Audience in the Pontiff’s Library in the Vatican.

President Higgins discussed a number of issues of shared interest with Pope Francis, including the interlinked global challenges of climate change, migration, global poverty, food security, the rights of indigenous people and global peace. President Higgins has praised the contribution which Pope Francis has made to the vital debate on these issues, including in his recent encyclical Laudate Deum.

This meeting was the fourth such engagement between President Higgins and Pope Francis, following previous meetings in the Vatican in 2017 and 2021 and at Áras an Uachtaráin in 2018. President Higgins also met with Pope Francis at the Papal Inauguration in 2013.

At their meeting, President Higgins presented Pope Francis with a sculpture entitled ‘The Expelled’ by renowned Irish sculptor John Behan RHA. The President chose to present this piece to Pope Francis in recognition of the vital work which the Pope has carried out in drawing public attention to the plight of refugees and migrants across the world.

President Michael D. Higgins and His Holiness Pope Francis

President Michael D. Higgins meets Cardinal Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State

While in the Vatican, President Higgins also met the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

President Michael D. Higgins lays a wreath in honour of the late Hugh O’Flaherty

On 19 October, President Higgins laid a wreath marking the 60th anniversary of the death of Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty.

The Embassy of Ireland to the Holy See erected a plaque in memory of the late Monsignor in the Campo Santo, as it is here that he lived during the Nazi occupation of Rome in World War II and from where he directed his lifesaving operation which saved up to 4,000 Allied Prisoners of War and Jews.

President Michael D. Higgins opens exhibition ‘Ireland and the Birth of Europe’

On 19 October, President Higgins launched the Ireland and the Birth of Europe exhibition, part of a series of events to mark 50 years of Ireland’s EU membership, at the Pontifical Irish College in Rome.

President Michael D. Higgins attends a working session with members from the World Food Forum Youth Assembly

Following his keynote address at the final day of the World Food Forum, President Higgins attended a working session with members from the WFF Youth Assembly, including representatives of the Youth Assembly, the Young Farmers Round Table, and the Indigenous Youth Forum, who presented key outcomes from their deliberations during the forum.

President Michael D. Higgins and Cardinal Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State

President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins

President Higgins lays a Wreath to honour the late Hugh O Flaherty

President Michael D. Higgins and members of the World Food Forum Youth Assembly

President Michael D. Higgins delivers Keynote address at World Food Forum Closing Session

President Higgins delivered the keynote address the Closing Ceremony of the World Food Forum on Friday, 20th October.

The Closing Ceremony was attended by member Representatives as well as all participants of the World Food Forum including members and those participating in the youth, science and investment forums.

In his keynote address, the President said:

“This week, as we have gathered here at the World Food Forum in the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations in Rome to discuss the necessary transformation of our agri-food systems, we must not only be conscious of targets missed or imperfectly achieved, but of the need for courage, and to generate new capacity to move to new models of better connection between economy, social protection, social justice and ecology. We are confronted with a climate and biodiversity emergency that cannot be handled by the tools that produced it or by the architecture of how we made decisions before.

We are called upon to, once and for all, tackle with alternatives and sustained effort and innovation, the vicious circle of global poverty and inequality, global hunger, debt and climate change, our interacting crises.

That is the context in which sustainable food systems must be achieved. I ask you all gathered today to respond in the most meaningful way within your capacity, within your generation, in a way that includes all generations, to the challenge set out by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.”

President Michael D. Higgins addresses the Food and Agricultural Organisation

President Michael D. Higgins hosts a Reception for Irish Ambassadors, Consuls General and Honorary Consuls

On 24 October, the President and Sabina Higgins hosted a reception at Áras an Uachtaráin for visiting Honorary Consuls and Heads of Missions participating in their annual conference in Dublin Castle.

The conference formed part of the 2023 Global Ireland Summit, a four-day series of events and engagements which began on Monday, 23 October, with the annual Heads of Mission conference and concluded on Thursday, 26 October, with the Global Schools programme in which Heads of Mission and Peacekeepers from the Defence Forces visited secondary schools in different parts of Ireland to discuss their work.

The President said:

“May I begin my address by expressing my deep gratitude and appreciation to all of you present for all that you do for Ireland and our people. I am always glad to receive the opportunity to thank those who work with great commitment on behalf of Irish citizens, and this evening is such an occasion.”

Ireland’s diplomatic network is an extensive one, and the roles and functions you perform are valuable and varied. For many Irish citizens, their first contact with members of that network can often be at times of great distress or difficulty owing to events affecting our citizens who are living, working or holidaying abroad, impacting their families and loved ones at home in Ireland.” . . .

“Foreign policy is an essential part of the identity of any State, expressing its core values and ideals. It reflects both the way in which we, as a national community, view the world, and the complex and diverse manner in which we are affected by, and must respond to, the challenges and crises we witness across the globe. Foreign policy is important to all of us.

President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins with Heads of Missions and Honorary Consuls

Statement by President Michael D. Higgins on the 30th anniversary of the Shankill Road Bombing

On 23 October, on the 30th anniversary of the Shankill road bombing the President said:

“As their families and relatives will be recalling the loved ones cruelly taken from them, we too are thinking of the families and community of all those murdered 30 years ago today in the Shankill Road bombing. Their courage, resilience, and grief reminds us that while peace is difficult to achieve, and so difficult to maintain, it can be achieved even from the most harrowing of circumstances.”

President Michael D. Higgins receives the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Mr. Daithí de Róiste

On 1 November, President Higgins received the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Mr. Daithí de Róiste to Áras an Uachtaráin on a Courtesy Call.

Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithi de Roiste and President Michael D. Higgins

President Michael D. Higgins receives Arab Ambassadors group

On 9 November, President Higgins met with a group of Ambassadors to Ireland representing Arab nations at Áras an Uachtaráin. The meeting followed a request made by the Dean of the Group, H.E. the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, Mr. Lahcen Mahraoui, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, to discuss recent developments in the Middle East with the President.

At the meeting, the President discussed with the Ambassadors the situation in Gaza and Israel, as well as the possible future for the region beyond the horrendous loss of lives.

The President emphasised in particular that the loss of civilian life, and threats of loss of life, was an urgent matter and must be brought to an end as soon as possible. The President referenced his and the Irish Government’s condemnation of all such losses of civilian life - the breaches of international law involved in the attacks on civilians by Hamas and the response to it. He reiterated his statements that the taking of hostages is in breach of international law and that all hostages must be released.

The President stressed to the Ambassadors the agony and distress to which Irish citizens directly involved, as part of the hostages taken or those not enabled to leave the conflict zones, are being exposed.

President Higgins paid tribute to those, including medical personnel and teachers, who have stayed with the people of Gaza and the courage and humanity which they have shown in near impossible conditions in hospitals and schools, noting in particular the high loss of life among those working in humanitarian organisations.

The President referenced the recent statements of the Taoiseach and Tánaiste and, in particular, the additional funding of €13 million – €10 million for UNRWA and €3 million for UN OCHA’s Palestine Humanitarian Fund – which had been committed by Government, bringing Ireland’s total contribution to the people of

Palestine in 2023 to €29 million. The President further noted the Taoiseach’s attendance at that day's International Conference on Humanitarian Assistance to Gaza taking place in Paris.

The President shared with the Ambassadors how in his discussions on a future past the present, including with both the President of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas and the President of Israel Isaac Herzog over the previous year, he had emphasised the importance of how in efforts of achieving a sustainable and lasting peace in the Middle East, the President had called for a diverse body of proposals to be brought forward in a sustained engagement with the deeper issues, one which could allow both for the security of the citizens of Israel and for the rights of the Palestinian people to be delivered.

The group of Ambassadors present were:

Mr. Lahcen Mahraoui, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco

Mrs. Jilan Abdalmajid, Ambassador of the State of Palestine

Mr. Mohamed Sarwat Selim, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt

Mr. Mohammed Hmoud Hamad Rahma Alshamsi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates

Mr. Nail Al-Jubeir, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia

Mr. Mohammed Belaoura, Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria

Mr. Mohammad Al-Mohammad, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait

Mr. Mohammed Al Basheer, Chargé d’affaires a.i of Soudan

Mr. Saad Al Johashi, Chargé d’affaires a.i of Iraq

President Michael D. Higgins and Arab Ambassadors group

President Michael D. Higgins meets with families of hostages being held in Gaza

On 14 November, President Michael D. Higgins met with the families of a number of those being held hostage in Gaza following the horrific attacks carried out by Hamas in Israel on 7th October.

Those in attendance at the meeting included Thomas and Natali Hand, father and sister of 8 year old Irish-Israeli child Emily Hand; and Maya Lambroso, Tal Yeshurun and Eylon Keshet, representing a number of families of those being held as hostages. In attendance also was the Ambassador of Israel to Ireland, H.E. Ms. Dana Erlich.

In a Statement following the meeting, President Higgins said:

“I was pleased to have the opportunity to meet with Thomas, Natali, Maya, Tal and Eylon today and to hear first-hand of the terrible impact which the events of 7th October have had on the families of those being held hostage.

What the families are going through in terms of anxiety and apprehension must be near unbearable, including in Emily Hand’s case that her father and sister know that she will be celebrating her ninth birthday while being held hostage.

The welfare of all children and civilians in Israel and Gaza should be in the forefront of all of our minds at this time.

In our meeting, we discussed what actions can be taken to help ensure the safe return of the hostages to their families.

To this end, I once again call for the unconditional release of all hostages currently being held in Gaza. I further echo the call which the families have made that the Red Cross/Red Crescent, or another appropriate organisation, must be given such access to the hostages as will enable their present position to be affirmed. I have assured the families that I will relay the importance of this request to the Irish Government.”

At the meeting, the President underlined the need for international law to be respected by all sides and emphasised the importance of the loss of civilian life being brought to an end as soon as possible, and for children in particular to be protected.

President Higgins noted the fact that the Taoiseach had met with the families, and that the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Mícheál Martin T.D. would be travelling to Egypt, Israel and the West Bank that week, which would provide opportunities for discussing the position of the hostages and of the Irish citizens in Gaza.

President Michael D. Higgins meets with family members of hostages being held in Gaza following the October 7th attacks by Hamas

The President recalled at the meeting his two discussions with the President of Israel Isaac Herzog over the previous year, as well as his discussions with the President of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas, at which he had emphasised the importance of a diverse body of proposals being brought forward in order to achieve a sustainable and lasting peace in the Middle East.

The President discussed with the families the importance of building a peace which can allow for both the security of the citizens of Israel, as well as for the rights of the Palestinian people to be delivered.

The President heard from the families how they felt that the past weeks have been challenging for members of Jewish communities living both in Ireland, and internationally where a rise in anti-Semitism was being reported. The President emphasised the importance of any such concerns in any part of Ireland being reported to An Garda Síochána.

President Michael D. Higgins visited St. Joseph’s National School, Ballymun

On 14 November, President Higgins visited St. Joseph’s Senior National School, Ballymun. The school celebrated its 50th anniversary this year.

President Michael D. Higgins receives representatives from Bohemians FC and St. Patrick’s Athletic FC

On 10 November, prior to the 2023 FAI Cup final, President Higgins welcomed Declan Devine and Keith Buckley of Bohemians F.C. and Jon Daly and Joe Redmond of St. Patrick’s Athletic F.C. to Áras an Uachtaráin on a courtesy call.

They were joined by Mark Scanlon, Director of the League of Ireland and Gerry McAnaney, President and CEO of the Football Association of Ireland.

President Michael D. Higgins and representatives from Bohemians FC and St. Patrick's Athletic FC

St Joseph's NS Ballymun Nurture Room Photo courtesy of Ladybird Studios Photography

President Michael D. Higgins receives members of the Irish Kennel Club

On 16 November, President Higgins received an Honorary Golden Paw Award in memory of Bród, his Bernese Mountain Dog who died earlier in the year, from the Irish Kennel Club. The Kennel Club made the award in recognition of the great fondness held by the public towards Bród. The Honorary Award was made ahead of the 2023 Golden Paw Awards ceremony.

The Irish Kennel Club was represented by Ms. Pat O’Boyle, President of the Irish Kennel Club, Dermot Alford, Chair of the Board of Directors, and Paul Lawless, Board member and organiser of the Golden Paws Awards.

President Michael D. Higgins hosts a reception to mark World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

On 17 November, President Higgins and Sabina hosted a special reception to mark World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims at Áras an Uachtaráin where he welcomed a number of family members of those who have tragically lost their lives on the road, as well as committee members of victims’ groups.

The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims takes place on the third Sunday in November every year to acknowledge of victims of road traffic crashes and their families.

As of 13 November 2023, the number of traffic fatalities on Irish roads in 2023 was 166, higher than the total number for 2022.

In his speech, President Higgins asked everyone, out of respect to victims of road traffic collisions and their families, but also out of basic human solidarity and care, to reflect on their own behaviour on the roads, and to consider the actions they can make to ensure that the roads become a safer place for all who use them, be they motorists, passengers, motorcyclists, ebike and e-scooter users, pedal-cyclists or pedestrians.

President Michael D. Higgins lights a candle for World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic victims with Chairperson of the RSA, Liz O’Donnell

Mr. Dermot Alford, President Michael D. Higgins, Ms. Pat O'Boyle and Mr. Paul Lawless

President Michael D. Higgins attends a Documentary Screening of ‘Patrick: A young Traveller Lost’

On 23 November, President Higgins encouraged households and schools around the country to watch the documentary, ‘Patrick: A Young Traveller Lost’, which was aired on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.

The film examines the issue of the alarmingly high suicide rates among the Irish Traveller community through the deeply personal story of 12-year-old Patrick McDonagh, from Finglas in Dublin, who died by suicide.

The documentary follows Patrick’s parents, Michelle and Pat, as they come to terms with their loss and explores the wider challenges facing the community. It also features a compelling first-hand account from Bernie Power, a Traveller Outreach worker from Kilkenny, on the inner turmoil of those from the Traveller community struggling with poor mental health and the real-life positive impact of reaching out for help.

President Higgins attended a special screening of the

film in the Lighthouse Cinema in Dublin ahead of the broadcast, where he met with Patrick’s parents Michelle and Pat and their family, Bernie Power, and other members of the Traveller community who have contributed to the film.

In a Statement, President Higgins said:

"What an honour it was to attend an advance screening of 'Patrick: A Young Traveller Lost'. Even though I am familiar with the issues with which the Travelling Community struggle, the personal testimonies of Patrick McDonagh's parents and Bernie Power moved me in a way I find difficult to describe.

It would be so valuable if all members of the public could see this film, which describes a life lost to bullying. An incredibly talented boy, interested in all aspects of life and full of curiosity, within one year had his life destroyed.

RTÉ and Alleycat Films have in my mind placed all of us in their debt in what is a splendid, valuable exercise in public service broadcasting. There are so many reasons I could think of why this film should be seen in every household, and it would be just incredibly valuable if it were seen in every school."

Documentary Screening Patrick A young Traveller Lost. Patrick McDonagh, President Michael D. Higgins and Michelle McDonagh

Photo courtesy of RTÉ

President Michael D. Higgins delivers the Economic and Social Research Institute’s Geary Lecture

On 24 November, President Higgins delivered the Economic and Social Research Institute's Geary Lecture at an event in Áras an Uachtaráin.

The Geary lecture is organised each year by the ESRI and honours Dr. R. C. Geary (1896 –1983), the first Director of the Institute. Dr. Geary is regarded as the most eminent Irish statistician of the twentieth century. Lectures have been given by some of the world’s foremost scholars in the fields of economics, statistics and sociology, including a number of Nobel Prize winners.

In his lecture, the President said:

“While the trajectory on which society has been travelling for four decades now has resulted in a period when, in so many places and ways, the concept of ‘society’ has been questioned and redefined pejoratively, when the public space in so many countries has been lost or commodified, our recent experience of pandemic has made possible the galvanising of support for a paradigm shift towards seeking an exit from the worst aspects of a destructive, extreme individualism, the taking of a path that offers the capacity of achieving transcendence, meaning, resonance, even an encounter with beauty, in all its senses of shared life.

Sociologists can join with other disciplines in encouraging the merging of the consciousnesses of ecology, human need,

dignity, respect for sources of truth and consolation, reasoned and revealed. In doing so, sociology, working collaboratively with the other social science crafts, can yield its greatest achievement to date: generate a catalytic atmosphere that can enable a new, harmonious paradigm of existence based on inclusivity, equality and sustainability to come to be our shared experience. It is not only past time to break the silences that mask what has not only failed but is inadequate for survival, sustainability and democracy itself. It is a time full of promise for scholarly cooperation.

In achieving this, the Economic and Social Research Institute contributes an ever-more promising atmosphere, just as it did when it welcomed the arrival of Dr. Damian Hannan’s ground-breaking work on migration all those years ago.”

President Michael D. Higgins delivers the Geary Lecture

President Michael D. Higgins launched Machnamh 100 Centenary Reflections, Volumes 1 and 2

On 30 November, President Higgins launched Volumes 1 and 2 of collected work from his Machnamh 100 series at a reception in Áras an Uachtaráin.

Machnamh 100 is an initiative of President Higgins that builds on his extensive work during Ireland’s Decade of Commemorations that has examined and explored seminal events such as the Lockout of 1913, the First World War, The Easter Rising, the Flu Pandemic, the election of 1918 and the first Dáil.

Beginning in December 2020, President Higgins hosted 6 seminars that invited reflections on the War of Independence, the Treaty Negotiations, the Civil War and Partition.

Leading scholars from different backgrounds and with an array of perspectives shared their insights and thoughts on the context and events of that formative

period of a century ago and on the nature of commemoration itself.

Through Machnamh 100, President Higgins facilitated presentations and discussions on specific themes, exploring more fully the various aspects of that period in Ireland’s journey, and its legacy for the societies and jurisdictions that were to emerge subsequently.

The President adopted a thematic approach to each of the seminars, focusing on those areas that have received perhaps insufficient attention and others to which a fresh or deeper return may help in developing a clearer understanding of the period.

Copies of the books are available in public libraries and third level institutions around the country, while ebooks can be downloaded for free from the President.ie website. Videos on each of the seminars can be watched on the President’s website at https://president.ie/machnamh-100 or on the RTÉ player.

President Michael D. Higgins launches Machnamh 100 Centenary Reflections, Volumes 1 and 2

President Michael D. Higgins appoints Mr. Séamas Ó Concheanainn as Coimisinéir Teanga

On 6 December at a ceremony in Áras an Uachtaráin, President Higgins appointed Mr. Séamas Ó Concheanainn as the new Coimisinéir Teanga.

The role of Coimisinéir Teanga oversees public complaints and observations about the use of Irish by official agencies and State bodies.

In a statement, President Higgins said:

“May I offer my very best wishes to Séamas Ó Concheanainn as he commences his term as Coimisinéir Teanga.

The appointment of the Coimisinéir Teanga is an important occasion, being as it is the foremost office in the State with regard to vindicating the right of the public to engage with public bodies and access State services through our native language.

It is heartening to see the deep engagement which so many people across the country, from all backgrounds and cultures, and indeed amongst all ages, now have with the language. In that context, it is more vital than ever that they are empowered to carry out their interactions with the State through the Irish language as part of an authentic usage of the language in their day-to-day lives.

In this context, the role of the Coimisinéir Teanga is of central importance, and it is to be welcomed that the Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021 has significantly enhanced the language rights of the public, as well as bringing new responsibilities to the way in which public bodies communicate with the public.

Séamas Ó Concheanainn brings immense experience to this important work and will continue the strong leadership which has been provided by the role of Coimisinéir Teanga since its establishment.

May I also take this opportunity to publicly thank Séamas’ immediate predecessor, Rónán Ó Domhnaill, for the significant contribution which he made to the Irish language during his own term as Coimisinéir.”

Coimisineir Teanga appointment

President Michael D. Higgins hosts the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

On 9 December, President Higgins switched on the Christmas tree lights at Áras an Uachtaráin.

Each year, the President and Sabina Higgins welcome families to Áras an Uachtaráin, to be present for the official switching on of the Christmas lights.

Since his inauguration, President Higgins has made a determined effort to open Áras an Uachtaráin to members of the public, and he has invited many people and organisations that work on initiatives to promote social change, inclusion and practical solidarity to visit the house and surrounding gardens.

President Michael D. Higgins receives the seventh Laureate na nÓg, Patricia Forde, on a courtesy call

On 12 December, President Higgins welcomed author Patricia Forde, the seventh Laureate na nÓg – Ireland’s laureate for children’s literature – to Áras an Uachtaráin.

‘Laureate na nÓg’ is an initiative of the Arts Council with the support of Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, Children’s Books Ireland and Poetry Ireland. The honour was established to engage young people with high quality children’s literature and to underline the importance of children’s literature in our cultural and imaginative lives.

Christmas Tree Lighting 2023

President Michael D. Higgins and Patricia Forde, 7th Laureate na nÓg

President Michael D. Higgins receives the Director General of the WHO, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, and Executive Director of the WHO, Dr. Michael Ryan

On 18 December, President Higgins received the Director General of the WHO, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, and Executive Director of the WHO, Dr. Michael Ryan, to Áras an Uachtaráin on a courtesy call.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was elected WHO Director-General for a five-year term by WHO Member States at the Seventieth World Health Assembly in May 2017. In doing so, he was the first WHO Director-General elected from among multiple candidates by the World Health Assembly, and was the first person from the WHO African Region to head the world’s leading public health agency.

President Higgins previously hosted Dr Michael Ryan at Áras an Uachtaráin in January 2022, to present him with a Presidential Distinguished Service Award, in recognition of his enormous service to global public health.

President Michael D. Higgins receives representatives from Southside Travellers Action Group

On 21 December, President Higgins received members of the Southside Travellers Action Group at Áras an Uachtaráin. They presented the President with a handmade barrel wagon made by young Travellers who attend a woodwork workshop at Hazel House in Tibradden, Co Dublin. The wagon contains a light as a message of love.

Dr. Michael Ryan, President Michael D. Higgins and Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus

President Michael D. Higgins and members of Southside Travellers Action Group

Christmas Message from President Michael D. Higgins

On 20 December, the President issued his annual Christmas Message. He said:

Mar Uachtarán na hÉireann, as President of Ireland, may I send my warmest wishes for a peaceful and Happy Christmas and New Year to you all.

This Christmas, we are conscious that across the world there are many people facing the most horrific of circumstances of war and displacement. We think in particular of all of the children in Gaza and Israel, places known to many as a Holy Land, and that has been darkened by the taking of so many lives, and too many young lives in particular, in recent months.

All of our hearts are made heavy by these terrible losses. So many families across our own island too will still be feeling the loss of family members to conflict, as this year we marked the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.

We Irish are all too aware of the horrors that can be committed, including due to the distortion and abuse of religious difference, when violence is allowed to quench the desire for a shared peace. However, history tells us, and we are conscious of it, that peace can be built, however fragile and cautious those first initial steps must be.

For far too many, Christmas is a time of experienced or recovered sorrow. It is, therefore, a time to remember the vulnerabilities that should be shared, and addressed, by us all, in particular vulnerabilities experienced by those who are at risk, excluded and marginalised, on the simple basis of being perceived as different, as "the Other".

As we gather this Christmas, let us reflect on the challenges that cast a dark shadow over our world, including the war in Ukraine that continues to drain lives and livelihoods.

The loss of life in each conflict is a stark reminder of the price paid for a lost shared space of diplomacy, of

President Michael D. Higgins Christmas Message

the abuse of power, of the importance that must be attached to the strengthening of the ideals of peace. At this time of multiple, complex global challenges, it has perhaps never been such an important shared task.

The attacks on children, the loss of lives of children such as we have seen and are witnessing, requires that all nations redouble their efforts for a ceasefire and set about the tasks of achieving lasting resolutions to conflicts, so many of which could and should have been anticipated and indeed avoided.

This month, as we face many challenges that will draw on the best of our courage and determination, world leaders have been meeting at COP28, the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, to address the increasingly urgent climate crisis.

We are at a precarious juncture in what is now an existential battle, one that requires us to rebalance, seek to recover our relationship with nature, one that requires a vital and meaningful change from all of us, in every aspect of our lives.

The United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres, has warned with ever-increasing urgency over the course of the year of the need for authenticity of commitment, for nations to move beyond words and take the immediate meaningful actions that are needed to avert environmental and social catastrophe.

Dealing with the consequences of both climate change and biodiversity loss emphasizes the need for the recovery of a meaningful and shared diplomacy in dealing with what are shared crises.

Authenticity in what we propose for implementation, especially in relation to issues such as loss and damage to developing nations, demands so much more than apologies. It requires a commitment that will enable possibilities to be recovered, the allocation of resources, human and scientific, reparations that can facilitate innovative, responsible investments that can help sow the seeds of recovery and restoration, for some of our most vulnerable global citizens.

Our multiple, interconnected crises – including the unsolved crisis of hunger, inequality, biodiversity loss –are all exacerbated by climate changes that are amplifying global poverty, forced migrations, and famine. The stark reality of rising global hunger underscores the urgency of these challenges being collectively addressed.

These humanitarian crises, affecting millions of vulnerable people, are still awaiting an adequate global response on too many issues – for example, the plight of over 100 million people forcibly displaced.

Pope Francis is among those who have warned of the 'globalisation of indifference' and reminded us of the importance of the protection of the environment.

In his message Laudate Deum he seeks a recovery of symmetry between economics, ecology and ethics. He invites us not only to reconnect with nature, but also to achieve more sustainable, enriching and just lives together on our precious, shared, vulnerable planet that is in peril.

Our work for peace is of the utmost importance. May I thank in a special way those members of our Irish Defence Forces who will be overseas this Christmas separated from their families.

As well as their service in the continuation of the longstanding peacekeeping operation in Lebanon, Irish soldiers are also involved in building and supporting peace in so many more regions across the world that are currently experiencing conflict. Such vital work at a time when humanity is faced with unprecedented challenges of a global kind is something of which we can all be proud and deserves all of our support.

Their absences from home will mirror the experiences of many others who, owing to various circumstances, find themselves forcibly separated from the embrace of their loved ones.

In that spirit, may I express my gratitude to the migrants who now call Ireland their home.

Their presence enriches our culture, contributes to our society, bringing as they do experiences, traditions, and perspectives that make us stronger as a nation.

As we celebrate this Christmas season, may it be a time for understanding and appreciation for one another. Let us embrace the values of tolerance and mutual respect, recognizing that our differences are the threads that weave the intricate rich fabric of our shared identity.

We, as Irish people, are all too aware of how, for so many different reasons, people have had cause to move from their places of birth in search of a better life, of security itself.

We Irish do not put a boundary to our concerns for justice. We remember the solidarity that Irish people have shown over the decades with those vulnerable across our planet, with those seeking freedom, human rights as in South Africa, for example, or the ending of dictatorship, as in the case of the one that came to power in Chile 50 years ago.

We remember with pride the contribution which Irish people have made to the cause of education in particular in so many parts of the world, and at the same time thank those many people among us who have come to live and work with us in Ireland, and who play such important roles in our health and care systems, amongst so many other important roles.

As we recall our shared vulnerabilities and possibilities this Christmas, let us resolve to forge together a renewed sense of extended solidarity, one that is shaped to fit and encompass all the citizens on our vulnerable planet.

Christmas is a time of hope. At this time, in the deepest darkness of winter, we anticipate and celebrate the triumph of light over dark, of dreams still realizable over the setbacks of the past.

Looking ahead to the coming year then, our most significant resolution must be a collective commitment to succeed in the value-laden tasks where our previous efforts may have fallen short. The challenges I have listed are not insurmountable, but they require sustained dedication, collaboration, and commitment to a shared vision for a better world.

Let us strive to make a meaningful difference and lay the foundations for a shared and brighter future where justice, compassion, and sustainability prevail.

May I wish all the Irish at home and abroad, and those who live and work with them, a very happy and peaceful Christmas and a New Year full of promise, health and fulfilment.

Nollaig Shona daoibh go léir, is beir gach beannacht don bhliain nua is don todhchaí.

GARDEN PARTIES 2023

Each year, the President and Sabina Higgins host a series of Garden Parties, to celebrate the work of people and organisations who have been active in projects and areas that are central to the Presidency of Michael D. Higgins.

The Garden Parties continue a tradition established by past Presidents, and over the course of seven events, the President and Sabina welcomed people from all over the island of Ireland to Áras an Uachtaráin, its house and gardens.

The themes for the Garden Parties reflect the themes that President Higgins has chosen for his second term, including citizen action, democratic participation and sustainable development.

The first garden party of 2023 took place on 18 June, and celebrated Bloomsday, one of the most significant days on Ireland’s literary calendar.

President Michael D. Higgins

Bloomsday 2023

On 18 June, the President and Sabina hosted their annual Bloomsday Garden Party. The President said:

“Today, Lá Bloom, Bloomsday, is an important day in our annual cultural calendar, a day when we have the opportunity to mark in a special way the life and works of James Augustine Aloysius Joyce, our great modernist avantgarde writer correctly regarded as one of the most influential and important writers of the 20th century.”

“Bloomsday has become an annually observed celebration, not just in Joyce’s home city of Dublin, but across the world in places as diverse as the Hungarian town of Szombathely, the fictional birthplace of Leopold Bloom’s father, Virág Rudolf, elsewhere in Trieste, where the first part of Ulysses was written, and Bloomsday is celebrated across the United States and Canada, South America and Asia.”

The President later said:

“While today we continue our celebration of Joyce, this year Sabina and I have decided to also celebrate Seán O'Casey, his work and life with him, as this year marks the centenary of O’Casey’s Shadow of a Gunman, the first of O’Casey’s great Dublin trilogy.

Today, as we take the occasion to celebrate the lives, works, gifts and sufferings of two giants of Irish literature, we celebrate too the Dublin of Joyce and O’Casey in all its richness. Dublin, and the lives suffered and enjoyed in it, was not just a character source as important as any human character, but the crucial context for his work in both of these writers’ works. Indeed, it has been said that, just like his plays, O’Casey pored a gritty romanticism into his songs and included a dash a satirical wit from the streets of Dublin.

My wife Sabina, among others, has been a staunch supporter of the campaign to save the home and studio of O’Casey – at 422 North Circular Road in Phibsboro, Dublin – and to turn it into a community, cultural and arts venue. May I say how delighted Sabina and I are to

President Michael D. Higgins and Guests

see so many of those who fought to keep the building, where all the plays were written, present at today’s Garden Party.

Today Sabina will read O’Casey’s piece on the Irish Citizen Army as she did at the unveiling of the Starry Plough in the gardens here in Áras an Uachtaráin in 2018, it is a monument commissioned in commemoration of the workers involved in the 1913 Lockout of Dublin – a founding moment for workers and trade unionism in Ireland – and of the Citizen Army and its first secretary and historian, Sean O’Casey.”

The event was MC’d by Tom Dunne and included an address by President Higgins. Sabina Higgins read an excerpt from Sean O’Casey’s story of the founding of the Irish Citizen Army. Musical performances from artists included David O’Connor (Pianist), St. Laurence O’Toole Pipe Band, Colm Ó hArgáin Group, Atkinson Family, Frankie McDonald Band, II Coro Italiano di Dublino, Andrew Basquille, Simon Morgan and Julie Feeney accompanied by Vincent Lynch (Pianist) and Richie Buckley (Saxophone) and Kíla.

Women's Advocacy Groups

On 21 June, the President and Sabina hosted a Garden Party to celebrate Women’s Advocacy Groups to celebrate the work of people and organisations working to promote a fairer, more inclusive and creative Ireland.

The event was MC’d by Anne Cassin and included an address by President Higgins as well as musical performances from artists Mary Kelly (Harp), Muireann Ní Shé (Piper), TBL8 Brass Band, Colm Ó hArgáin Group, Atkinson Family, Vintage Boombox, Aoife Nessa Frances and Pillow Queens.

President Michael D. Higgins and John Sheahan of The Dubliners

Sabina Higgins reads an excerpt from Sean O’Casey’s story of the founding of the Irish Citizen Army

President Michael D. Higgins addresses Women’s Advocacy Groups

Sabina Higgins speaks at the Women’s Advocacy Garden Party

Family Day Garden Party

On 24 June, the President and Sabina hosted a Family Day garden party at Áras an Uachtaráin. The President acknowledged various organisations across different sectors of society all of whom work tirelessly to improve the conditions for families in all their forms.

The event was MC’d by Hector Ó hEochagáin and included an address by President Higgins as well as musical performances from artists Fanzini Brothers, David O’Connor (Pianist), Fionntan Byrne (Piper), Dublin Ukulele Collective, Silly Billy Balloon Modellers, Greenwaves (Trad), Martina Rosaria O’Connell and Sophie Ní Mhaoláin, Swing Cats, Cuckoos Nest, John Spillane, and Pearly Whites.

President Michael D. Higgins with Adam King and family

Children playing at the Family Day Garden Party

Cherishing our Biodiversity and Sustainability Garden Party

On 27 June, the President and Sabina hosted the fourth Garden Party of 2023. On behalf of the President, Sabina welcomed community members, activists, and all those dedicated to fostering a sustainable future for citizens in Ireland and beyond.

President Higgins and Sabina have been strong supporters of the Sustainable Development Goals, and have been advocating the changes necessary to ensure a more sustainable future for Ireland and the world.

In 2020 President Higgins initiated a biodiversity survey to identify ways to protect plant and animal life around Áras an Uachtaráin.

The event was MC'd by Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh and featured musical performances from artists Méabh

McKenna (Harpist), Liam Winnett (Piper), Fermoy International Choir, Colm ÓhArgáin Group, Atkinson Family, the Honeydews, Shane Hennessy, Moder Lover and the Hothouse Flowers.

Sabina Higgins and Guests

Sabina Higgins addresses the Garden Party

Recognising Community Groups Garden Party

On 29 June, the President and Sabina hosted a Garden Party celebrating individuals who have dedicated their lives to making a positive impact in their communities with an emphasis on the importance of sports referees.

The event was MC’d by Jacqui Hurley and included an address by President Higgins as well as musical performances from artists Méabh McKenna (Harpist), Alain Carroll (Piper), TBL8 Brass Band, Féile Oriel Group, Aongus MacAmhlaigh and Ailbhe Clancy, Like a Version, Niamh Regan, David Lyttle Quartet and Bell X1.

President Michael D. Higgins and Guests

Irish Heritage Garden Party

On 2 July, the President and Sabina hosted a garden party celebrating Irish Heritage marking the 75th anniversary of An Taisce, the National Trust for Ireland, recognising its critical role as a guardian of Ireland’s heritage.

The event was MC’d by Seán Moncrieff and included an address by President Higgins as well as musical performances from artists Aoife and Seán Lyons (Pianist/Harpist), Rob Fell (Piper) Cór Geal Choir, Westmeath Comhaltas, Aongus MacAmhlaigh and Aisling Lyons, Havana Club Trio, Lisa O’Neill, God Knows, and Shaskeen.

President Michael D. Higgins addresses the Irish Heritage Garden Party

Guests enjoying the Sunshine and Gardens

Concert Celebrating Irish Music Reimagined

On 5 July, the President and Sabina hosted a Concert Celebrating Irish Music Reimagined. The President said:

“It is inspiring to witness the continued growth of the music family, the new artists now coming to the fore across so many genres and indeed combining genres – from rock to pop, folk, roots, electronic, rap, hip-hop, and of course our traditional music, that indigenous music of the island that has remained vibrant through the 20th and into the 21st century, despite the homogenising effects of globalising cultural forces.

We are so fortunate that Irish music incorporates classical forms, including opera and choral music. It is therefore a diverse and heterogeneous music, ever evolving, a source for reimagined future soundscapes, a music that represents a diverse and cosmopolitan people that we Irish are proud to be in the 21st century.”

The event was MC’d by Aedín Gormley and included an address by President Higgins as well as musical performances from artists Lemoncello, An Lán Gaelach, Clare Sands, The Scratch and Pólca 4.

The Scratch performing at the President’s concert celebrating Irish Music Reimagined

President Michael D. Higgins and Pólca 4

Clare Sands performing at the President’s concert celebrating Irish Music Reimagined

Lemoncello performaning at the President’s concert celebrating Irish Music Reimagined

President Michael D. Higgins and Guests

AFTERNOON TEA PARTIES

Each year the President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins host a number of Afternoon Tea Parties to celebrate life in the community.

On 30 May, President Michael D. Higgins hosted an afternoon tea event at Áras an Uachtaráin. The event was organised to celebrate the important role that a variety of people have and can play in different communities, and the efforts which we can make collectively to build a better, shared future, one rooted in the spirit of selfless citizenship.

Those in attendance included the director of the seminal films ‘Mise Éire’ and ‘Saoirse?’, George Morrison, who was made a Saoi by his colleagues in Aosdána in 2017, in recognition of the pioneering contribution which he has made to the Irish film community. Mr Morrison reached the age of 100 in November, 2022.

Also present was Ireland’s oldest resident, Máirín Hughes, who turned 109 on 22 May.

President Michael D. Higgins

Other guests included two families who suffered the loss of loved ones during the Troubles. Hugh O’Hare lost his late wife Margaret O’Hare on ‘Bloody Friday’, 21 July 1972, when she was one of nine people killed when the IRA exploded 19 bombs across Belfast in an 80 minute period.

The event was also attended by three of the children of Barney O’Dowd, who was shot and seriously wounded by loyalist paramilitaries during an attack on his farmhouse in Ballydougan, Co Down, on 4 January 1976. Barney’s eldest brother Joe and two of his sons, Barry and Declan, were killed in the attack. While Barney, who turned 100 on 3 May, was unable to attend, he was represented by his sons Noel and Loughlin O’Dowd and his daughter Eleanor O’Sullivan.

The event included a performance by award-winning singer Simon Morgan accompanied by pianist Vincent Lynch.

Speaking at the event, President Higgins said:

“Creating societies that are ethical, just, inclusive and peaceful, that allow for participation and the universal enjoyment of human rights, is a task for all of our citizens. Such societies can only emerge from communities that are ethical – communities working together, in solidarity, recognising the needs of all their members and, in particular, those who are vulnerable and marginalised.

Each of us is vulnerable at some time in our lives, finding ourselves in need of the kindness, support and solidarity of our friends and neighbours. Is ar scáth a chéile a mhairimid.

It is critical that we continue to work to build and maintain a strong sense of community which has been such an essential part of our Irishness and which continues to offer so much potential for the flourishing and fulfilment of our citizens.

An energetic and vibrant citizenship must make room for all the people within our society, including those on the

margins, the poor, the excluded and those seeking refuge. That is why we must continue to create a society where everyone receives the opportunity to participate at every level and in every way.”

On 2 November, the President and Sabina Higgins hosted an afternoon tea in Áras an Uachtaráin with groups from across Ireland.

Along with many other guests, the President and Sabina welcomed Donal Fallon, historian, author and podcast presenter of the very popular ‘Three Castles Burning’ which explores the social history of Dublin and seminal events across the history of the State. The President commended Donal on his recently published book ‘Lamplighters of the Phoenix Park’.

President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins and George Morrison accompanied by Niamh Allen

President Michael D. Higgins and historian, Donal Fallon

As part of that heritage, the President welcomed brothers Frank and Jim Flanagan – two of the leading figures in Donal’s book, documenting their remarkable and dedicated contribution to the special resource that is the Phoenix Park.

Frank and Jim are the proud custodians of that soft light so associated with the gas lamps in the Phoenix Park and they follow in the footsteps of a long line of Flanagans who have maintained the 224 gas lamps in the Phoenix Park through five generations.

Their grandfather Nicholas Flanagan, along with his four brothers, first became lamplighters in the park in 1890. Since then, the lamplighter role has remained in the care of their family, and today Frank and Jim continue to service each gas lamp – seven days a week, every day of the year.

Mar a scíobh an file Máirtín Ó Direáin, “É ag tabhairt na gile leis/Ó lampa go lampa sráide.” Traoslám libh.

On 14 December, the President and Sabina Higgins hosted an afternoon tea reception at Áras an Uachtaráin for members of communities from around the country.

The President and Sabina welcomed representatives of the literary community which was represented by Susan Walsh, Robert Savage, Dr. Yupeng Liu, Dr. Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin, Declan Kettle, and Christy Gillespie.

They were also joined by representatives of the Irish Refugee Council and Cora Richardson from the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary and members of the Leeson Park Nursing Home.

Sabina Higgins, President Michael D. Higgins and Robert Savage

Christy Gillespie (author), Sabina Higgins, President Michael D. Higgins and Brona Gillespie

GAISCE - THE PRESIDENT’S AWARD

On 7 July, at a ceremony in Áras an Uachtaráin, President Higgins presented the Gaisce Gold Awards to 73 young people who have completed their personal development challenges.

Gaisce, the President’s Award, is a self-development programme for young people aged 14 -25 which has been proven to enhance confidence and wellbeing through participation in personal, physical and community challenges.

It is a direct challenge from the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, to all young people to dream big and realise their potential.

Gaisce Awards are non-competitive and self-directedparticipants choose their own activities, goals and projects with the support of their President’s Award Leader (or PAL). There are more than 1,000 President’s Award Leaders working or volunteering in a variety of organisations all across Ireland, supporting and mentoring Gaisce participants.

There are three levels to the Award programme, starting with Bronze and progressing to Silver or Gold, with the time and investment required increasing as the participant moves from Bronze towards the Gold Award.

While you can begin straight away with the Gold Award (depending on your age), most participants begin with the Bronze Award and work up from there to the higher levels.

AMBASSADORS PRESENT THEIR LETTERS OF CREDENCE

When another country wishes to appoint a new Ambassador to Ireland, the Government must agree to that appointment. An accreditation ceremony subsequently takes places at Áras an Uachtaráin, where the new Ambassador presents a Letter of Credence to the President of Ireland from their Head of State.

The Ambassador-designate is greeted on arrival at Áras an Uachtaráin and invited to sign the Visitors Book. The Ambassador-designate then proceeds to the State Reception Room, where he/she formally presents their Letter of Credence to the President. The formal exchanges of greetings between the new Ambassador and the President offers the opportunity to get to know one another and also to convey messages between the authorities of the respective states.

Following accreditation, the new Ambassador is escorted by the President to the main front door of Áras an Uachtaráin where he/she inspects a military guard of honour. The new Ambassador then departs Áras an Uachtaráin with a military escort.

At the end of their term, the President invites the Ambassadors on a Courtesy Call to Áras an Uachtaráin, to thank them for their service, hear their experiences in Ireland and discuss the departing Ambassador’s views on issues of relevance to our bilateral relations.

During 2023, 27 Ambassadors presented their Letter of Credence to the President.

Ambassadors appointed in 2023

16 February 2023

H.E. Mr. Norio Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan

H.E. Mr. Mohammad Musa Fahad Al-Mohammad, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait

H.E. Mr. Trevor Mallard, Ambassador of New Zealand

23 March 2023

H.E. Mr. Ricardo Hernández Menendez, Ambassador of Chile

H.E. Mr. Enkhsukh Battumur, Ambassador of Mongolia

H.E. Mr. Ilir Kapiti, Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo

11 May 2023

H.E. Ms. Ana Laura Cachaza, Ambassador of the Argentine Republic

H.E. Dr. Gergely Bánhegyi, Ambassador of Hungary

H.E. The Most Reverend Luis Mariano Montemayor, Apostolic Nuncio

8 June 2023

H.E. Mr. Yong-kil Kim, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea

H.E. Ms. Albertina Maria Domingos Mac Donald, Ambassador of the Republic of Mozambique

H.E. Mr. Gyan Chandra Acharya, Ambassador of Nepal

20 September 2023

H.E. Mr. Miguel Camilo Ruiz Blanco, Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia

H.E. Ms. Vanya Chavdarova Andreeva-Malakova, Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria

H.E. Ms. Dana Erlich, Ambassador of Israel

25 October 2023

H.E. Ms. Maaike van Koldam, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

H.E. Arkady Józef Rzegocki, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland

H.E. Ms Leena Gardemeister, Ambassador of Finland

10 November 2023

H.E. Mr. Louis Telemachou, Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus

H.E. Mr. Wan Aznainizam Yusri bin Wan Abdul Rashid, Ambassador of Malaysia

H.E. Mr. Johnston Busingye, Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda

28 November 2023

H.E. Nimisha Madhvani, Ambassador of the Republic of Uganda

H.E. Mr. Douangmany Gnotsyoudom, Ambassador of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic

H.E. Dr. Thomas Bisika, Ambassador of the Republic of Malawi

19 December 2023

H.E. Mrs. Therese Rath, Ambassador of Belize

H.E. Mr. Teodoro L. Locsin Jr., Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines

H.E. Mr. Thani Thongphakdi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand

Her Excellency, Ms. Ana Laura Cachaza, Ambassador of the Argentine Republic, His Excellency, Dr. Gergely Bánhegyi, Ambassador of Hungary, and His Excellency, The Most Reverend Luis Mariano Montemayor, Apostolic Nuncio presented their Letters of Credence to President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin on 11 May 2023.

Ambassadors Present their Credentials - 11 May 2023

FAREWELL COURTESY CALL

Upon their arrival in Ireland, and before they can carry out their duties, new Ambassadors must be officially received by the President of Ireland.

Ambassadors are officially accredited to Ireland from the moment that the President accepts their Credentials. At the end of their term, the President invites the Ambassadors on a Courtesy Call to Áras an Uachtaráin, to thank them for their service, hear their experiences in Ireland and discuss the departing Ambassador’s views on issues of relevance to our bilateral relations.

Farewell Courtesy Calls in 2023

12 January

H.E. Mr. Brad Burgess, Ambassador of New Zealand

7 March

H.E. Ms. Moira Wilkinson, Ambassador of Argentina

28 March

H.E. Ms. Patricia Cortés Ortiz, Ambassador of Colombia

19 May

H.E. Mr. Kweon Ki-hwan, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea

9 June

H.E. Mrs. Gergana Karadjova, Ambassador of Bulgaria

1 December

H.E. Ms. Judith Yolisa Maya, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa

5 December

H.E. Mr. Michael Mubea Kamau, Ambassador of Kenya

18 December

H.E. Mrs. Ijeoma Chinonyerem Obiezu, Ambassador of Nigeria

President Michael D. Higgins and H.E. Ms. Judith Yolisa Maya, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa

President Michael D. Higgins and Ambassador Brad Burgess

President Michael D. Higgins and Ambassador Moira Wilkinson

APPOINTMENT OF JUDGES

Judges in Ireland are appointed by the President acting on the advice of the Government and in accordance with Article 35.1 of the Constitution. In most cases, the Government decides who to appoint as a judge after it has been advised by the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board.

Judges are completely independent in the performance of their functions and on their appointment take the oath set out in Article 34.6.1 of the Constitution.

The President signs all Warrants of appointment and invites Judges appointed to the Supreme Court, High Court and the Court of Appeal to a ceremony in Áras an Uachtaráin.

Judicial Appointments 2023

13 February 2023

Her Honour Judge Elizabeth Maguire, Circuit Court

4 April 2023

The Hon. Mr. Justice Mícheál P. O’Higgins, High Court

The Hon. Mr. Justice Rory Mulcahy, High Court

11 April 2023

His Honour Judge Simon McAleese, Circuit Court

His Honour Judge Dermot Sheehan, Circuit Court

Her Honour Judge Sinéad Behan, Circuit Court

15 May 2023

His Honour Judge Geoffrey Shannon, Circuit Court

2 June 2023

The Hon. Ms. Justice Aileen Donnelly, Supreme Court

6 June 2023

Judge Shalom Binchy, District Court

4 July 2023

The Hon. Mr. Justice Charles Meenan, Court of Appeal

The Hon. Ms. Justice Tara Burns, Court of Appeal

6 July 2023

The Hon. Ms. Justice Emily Farrell, High Court

The Hon. Mr. Justice Liam Kennedy, High Court

The Hon. Ms. Justice Siobhan Lankford, High Court

The Hon. Mr. Justice Barry O’Donnell, High Court

The Hon. Mr. Justice Oisín Quinn, High Court

24 July 2023

His Honour Judge Gerard Meehan, Circuit Court

Her Honour Judge Jennifer O’Brien, Circuit Court

Her Honour Fiona O’Sullivan, Circuit Court

2 September 2023

Judge Nicola Jane Andrews, District Court

Judge Monika Leech, District Court

Judge Stephanie Coggans, District Court

Judge Fiona Brennan, District Court

Judge William Aylmer, District Court

Judge Philip O’Leary, District Court

Judge Adrian Harris, District Court

Judge Michael Ramsey, District Court

Judge Michael Connellan, District Court

11 September 2023

Judge Catherine Hayden, District Court

23 October 2023

The Hon. Ms. Justice Nuala Jackson, High Court

The Hon. Mr. Justice Conleth Bradley, High Court

The Hon. Ms. Justice Denise Brett, High Court

The Hon. Mr. Justice David Nolan, High Court

The Hon. Mr. Justice Brian O’Moore, Court of Appeal

22 November 2023

Judge Mark O’Connell, District Court

5 December 2023

His Honour Judge Jonathan Dunphy, Circuit Court

His Honour Judge Christopher Callan, Circuit Court

19 December 2023

The Hon. Mr. Justice Patrick McGrath, High Court

President Michael D. Higgins appoints The Hon. Ms. Justice Aileen Donnelly to the Supreme Court on 2 June and The Hon. Mr. Justice Patrick McGrath to the High Court on 19 December

LEGISLATION

During 2023, President Higgins signed forty one Bills into law.

The Houses of the Oireachtas (Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann) are responsible for passing Bills, but it is not until Bills are signed by the President that they become law.

The President’s role in this context is to consider whether Bills presented to him are compatible with the Constitution.

The President cannot veto a Bill simply because he doesn’t agree with its provisions, but other than Money Bills or Bills to amend the Constitution, where he has doubts over a Bill’s constitutionality, he can, after consulting with the Council of State refer it to the Supreme Court to make a determination in this regard.

If the Supreme Court finds that the Bill, or any part of it, is unconstitutional, the President cannot sign the Bill and it is not enacted. However, if the Court holds that the Bill is constitutional, the President signs the Bill and it becomes law. In this situation, under article 34 of Bunreacht na hÉireann, the constitutionality of this legislation, or the provision of the Bill that had been referred to the Supreme Court, cannot be challenged at a later stage.

In the case of a disagreement between the Dáil and the Seanad, members of the Oireachtas may petition the President not to sign a Bill on the grounds that it contains a proposal of such national importance that the will of the people should be sought, in the form of a referendum. Such a petition requires a majority of the Seanad and at least one third of the Dáil. This provision of the Constitution has never been exercised.

Referral of Judicial Appointments Commission Bill to Supreme Court under Article 26 of the Constitution

On 11 October, 2023 at 2:30pm, the President convened a meeting of the Council of State under Article 26 of the Constitution to discuss the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2022.

This was only the third time that President Higgins had convened the council to consider a piece of legislation during his time in office. He previously convened it in 2013 to consider the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013, and in 2015 to consider the International Protection Bill 2015.

Following consultation with the Council of State, and having given further consideration to the advice offered to him, the President decided to refer the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2022 to the Supreme Court for a decision on the question as to whether the Bill is repugnant to the Constitution or to any provision thereof.

This was the first time that President Higgins referred a Bill to the Supreme Court under Article 26 of the Constitution over the course of his terms of office, and the 16th time that the Supreme Court has provided a ruling with regard to the constitutionality of a piece of legislation referred to it by the President of the day under Article 26 of the Constitution in the history of the State.

The President was advised by the Registrar of the Supreme Court that the Supreme Court had upheld the constitutionality of the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2022 on 8 December 2023 and the President signed the Bill in the manner provided by Article 26.5.3˚ of the Constitution on the same day.

Apologies: Professor Mary McAleese, Mr. John Bruton, Mr. Bertie Ahern, Mr. Enda

Justice John Murray

The following are the Bills signed by the President in 2023:

• National Cultural Institutions (National Concert Hall) (Amendment) Act 2023 (Act No. 1 of 2023) (Signed on 6 February, 2023)

• Oil Emergency Contingency and Transfer of Renewable Transport Fuels Functions, Act 2023 (Act No. 2 of 2023) (Signed on 24 February, 2023)

• Criminal Justice (Mutual Recognition of Custodial Sentences) Act 2023 (Act No. 3 of 2023) (Signed on 1 March, 2023)

• Communications Regulation and Digital Hub Development Agency (Amendment) Act 2023 (Act No. 4 of 2023) (Signed on 2 March, 2023)

• Central Bank (Individual Accountability Framework) Act 2023 (Act No. 5 of 2023) (Signed on 9 March, 2023)

• Environmental Protection Agency (Emergency Electricity Generation) (Amendment) Act 2023 (Act No. 6 of 2023) (Signed on 10 March, 2023)

• Health (Amendment) Act 2023 (Act No. 7 of 2023) (Signed on 4 April, 2023)

• Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 (Act No. 8 of 2023) (Signed on 4 April, 2023)

• Sex Offenders (Amendment) Act 2023 (Act No. 9 of 2023) (Signed on 5 April, 2023)

• Patient Safety (Notifiable Incidents and Open Disclosure) Act 2023 (No. 10 of 2023) (Signed on 2 May, 2023)

• Finance Act 2023 (Act No. 11 of 2023) (Signed on 15 May, 2023)

• Courts Act 2023 (Act No. 12 of 2023) (Signed on 19 May, 2023)

Members of the Council of State (LtoR front row): Sinéad Burke, Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl, T.D., An Tánaiste Micheál Martin, T.D., An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, T.D., President Michael D. Higgins, Chief Justice Donal O’Donnell, Professor Mary Robinson, Attorney General Rossa Fanning, S.C., Mr. Brian Cowen (LtoR back row): The Hon. Mr. Justice David Barniville, Senator Jerry Buttimer, Mr. Sean Ó Cuirreáin, The Hon. Ms. Justice Susan Denham, The Hon. Mr. Justice Frank Clarke, Prof. Mary Murphy, Dr. Johnston McMaster, Dr. Sindy Joyce, Dr. Cara Augustenborg, Mr. Maurice Malone, The Hon. Mr. Justice George Birmingham

Kenny, The Hon. Mr. Justice Ronan Keane, The Hon. Mr.

• Social Welfare (Child Benefit) Act 2023 (Act Act No. 13 of 2023) (Signed on 25 May, 2023)

• Regulated Professions (Health and Social Care) (Amendment) Act 2023 (Act No. 14 of 2023) (Signed on 6 June, 2023)

• Regulation of Lobbying and Oireachtas (Allowances to Members) (Amendment) Act 2023 (Act No. 15 of 2023) (Signed on 22 June, 2023)

• Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 (Act No. 16 of 2023) (Signed on 23 June, 2023)

• Civil Defence Act 2023 (Act No. 17 of 2023) (Signed on 26 June, 2023)

• Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 (Act No. 18 of 2023) (Signed on 5 July, 2023)

• Agricultural and Food Supply Chain Act 2023 (Act No. 19 of 2023) (Signed on 11 July, 2023)

• Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme Act 2023 (Act No. 20 of 2023) (Signed on 11 July, 2023)

• Veterinary Medicinal Products, Medicated Feed and Fertilisers Regulation (Act No. 21 of 2023) (Signed on 11 July, 2023)

• Representative Actions for the Protection of the Collective Interests of Consumers (Act No. 22 of 2023) (Signed on 11 July, 2023)

• Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) (Temporary Solidarity Contribution) Act 2023 (Act No. 23 of 2023) (Signed on 17 July, 2023)

• Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 (Act No. 24 of 2023) (Signed on 19 July, 2023)

• Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2023 (Act No. 25 of 2023) (Signed on 20 July, 2023)

• Historic and Archaeological Heritage and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 (Act No. 26 of 2023) (Signed on 13 October, 2023)

• Control of Exports Act 2023 (Act No. 27 of 2023) (Signed on 25 October, 2023)

• Screening of Third Country Transactions Act 2023 (Act No. 28 of 2023) (Signed on 31 October, 2023)

• Electricity Costs (Emergency Measures) Domestic Accounts Act (Act No. 29 of 2023) (Signed on 10 November, 2023)

• Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) (Cap on Market Revenues) Act 2023 (Act No. 30 of 2023) (Signed on 17 November, 2023)

• Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Agency Act 2023 (Act No. 31 of 2023) (Signed on 28 November, 2023)

• Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023 (Act No. 32 of 2023) (Signed on 5 December, 2023)

• Judicial Appointments Commission Act 2023 (Act No. 33 of 2023) (Signed on 8 December, 2023)

• Credit Union (Amendment) Act 2023 (Act No. 34 of 2023) (Signed on 13 December, 2023)

• Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act 2023 (Act No. 35 of 2023) (Signed on 13 December, 2023)

• Health Insurance (Amendment) Act 2023 (Act No. 36 of 2023) (Signed on 14 December, 2023)

• Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 (Act No. 37 of 2023) (Signed on 14 December, 2023)

• Appropriation Act (Act No. 38 of 2023) (Signed on 15 December, 2023)

• Finance (No.2) Act 2023 (Act No. 39 of 2023) (Signed on 18 December, 2023)

• Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2023 (Act No. 40 of 2023) (Signed on 19 December, 2023)

• The Royal Hibernian Academy (Amendment of Charter) Act 2023 (Act No. 1 (Private) of 2023) (Signed on 20 December, 2023)

THE ‘CENTENARIAN BOUNTY’

The tradition by which people who have reached their 100th birthday receive a gift from the State of €2,540 and a special message from the President of Ireland, wishing them a happy birthday and congratulating them for their longevity, was started in 1940 by President Douglas Hyde.

In 2006, the Government decided to extend the eligibility criteria for the scheme so that all Irish citizens born on the island of Ireland are eligible to apply.

Since 1 January 2000, the President of Ireland has also marked the birthday of people over the age of 100 years. On his or her 101st and every subsequent birthday, the person receives a special commemorative coin in a presentation box, along with a congratulatory letter signed by the President. A new coin is designed for each year.

Centenarians’ Messages issued 2023

Coins issued 2023

President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins welcomed Ireland’s oldest resident, Máirín Hughes, who turned 109 on 22 May 2023. Máirín sadly passed away on 5 September 2023 (RIP).

STATEMENTS

During 2023 President Higgins issued ninety five Statements as follows:

January 2023

Monday, 9 January 2023

Statement by President Higgins on events in Brasilia https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-events-in-brasilia

Tuesday, 10 January 2023

Statement by President Higgins on the death of Séamus Begley https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-seamusbegley

Wednesday, 11 January

Statement by President Higgins on the death of Kevin Higgins https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-kevin-higgins

Friday, 20 January 2023

President Michael D. Higgins to travel to Senegal https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-michael-d-higgins-to-travel-to-senegal

Saturday, 21 January 2023

Statement by President Higgins on the death of Fr Micheál Mac Gréil https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-fr-michealmac-greil

Tuesday, 24 January 2023

President Michael D. Higgins commences official visit to Senegal https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-michael-d-higgins-commences-official-visit-tosenegal

February 2023

Monday, 6 February 2023

Statement by President Michael D. Higgins on the death of Niamh Bhreathnach https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-michael-d-higgins-on-the-death-ofniamh-bhreathnach

Statement by President Michael D. Higgins following earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-michael-d-higgins-followingearthquakes-in-tuerkiye-and-syria

Statement by President Michael D. Higgins on forest fires in Chile https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-michael-d-higgins-on-forest-fires-inchile

Monday, 13 February 2023

Statement by President Higgins on the death of Deirdre Purcell https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-deirdrepurcell

Statement by President Michael D. Higgins on the death of James Flynn https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-michael-d-higgins-on-the-death-ofjames-flynn

Message from President Higgins for World Radio Day 2023 https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/message-from-president-higgins-for-world-radio-day-2023

Wednesday, 15 February 2023

Statement by President Michael D. Higgins on the resignation of Nicola Sturgeon as Scotland’s First Minister https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-michael-d-higgins-on-the-resignationof-nicola-sturgeon-as-scotlands-first-minister

Thursday, 23 February 2023

Statement by President Michael D. Higgins on shooting of PSNI officer Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-michael-d-higgins-on-shooting-ofpsni-officer-detective-chief-inspector-john-caldwell

March 2023

Wednesday, 1 March 2023

Seachtain na Gaeilge Message from President Michael D. Higgins https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/seachtain-na-gaeilge-message-from-president-michael-dhiggins

Statement following meeting between President Higgins and the President of the Republic of Malta, George Vella https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-following-meeting-between-president-higgins-andthe-president-of-the-republic-of-malta-george-vella

Friday, 3 March 2023

Message from President Higgins for Irish Music Month https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/message-from-president-higgins-for-irish-music-month

Sunday, 5 March 2023

Statement by President Michael D. Higgins on agreement of UN High Seas Treaty

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-michael-d-higgins-on-agreement-ofun-high-seas-treaty

Wednesday, 8 March 2023

Statement by President Michael D. Higgins for International Women’s Day 2023

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-michael-d-higgins-for-internationalwomens-day-2023

Monday, 13 March 2023

President Higgins congratulates Oscar award winners

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-congratulates-oscar-award-winners

Friday, 17 March 2023

President Higgins hosts St Patrick’s Day Reception for Irish Film Industry

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-hosts-st-patricks-day-reception-for-irishfilm-industry

Saturday, 18 March 2023

Statement by President Higgins following Ireland’s Six Nations victory

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-following-irelands-six-nationsvictory

Wednesday, 22 March 2023

Statement by President Michael D. Higgins on UN World Water Day 2023

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-michael-d-higgins-on-un-worldwater-day-2023

Wednesday, 29 March 2023

President Higgins hosts ‘Peace Heroines’ exhibition, curated by HerStory, at Áras an Uachtaráin https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-hosts-peace-heroines-exhibition-curated-byherstory-at-aras-an-uachtarain

Thursday, 30 March 2023

President Higgins receives Mr Dónal de Róiste at Áras an Uachtaráin https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-receives-mr-donal-de-roiste-at-aras-anuachtarain

Friday, 31 March 2023

Statement by President Higgins on the report of the Independent Review Group into the Defence Forces https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-report-of-theindependent-review-group-into-the-defence-forces

April 2023

Sunday, 9 April 2023

Statement by President Higgins on the Death of Benjamin Ferencz

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-benjaminferencz

Thursday, 13 April 2023

Statement following meeting between President Higgins and President Joe Biden

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-following-meeting-between-president-higgins-andpresident-joe-biden

Statement by President Higgins on the death of Maelíosa Stafford

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-maeliosastafford

Friday, 14 April 2023

Statement by President Higgins on the death of Mark Sheehan

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-marksheehan

Saturday, 22 April 2023

Statement on the passing of Bród, the President's Bernese Mountain Dog

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-on-the-passing-of-brod-the-presidents-bernesemountain-dog

Wednesday, 26 April 2023

President Higgins congratulates Brad Heidi, winner of the A New Local Hero Award 2023

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-congratulates-brad-heidi-winner-of-the-anew-local-hero-award-2023

Thursday, 27 April 2023

President plants tree at Áras an Uachtaráin in memory of Tom Johnson, author of the Democratic Programme of the First Dáil

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-plants-tree-at-aras-an-uachtarain-inmemory-of-tom-johnson-author-of-the-democratic-programme-of-the-first-dail

May 2023

Friday, 5 May 2023

President Higgins to attend coronation of King Charles III in London

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-to-attend-coronation-of-king-charles-iii-inlondon

Monday, 8 May 2023

Statement by President Higgins on the death of Seán Keane

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-sean-keane

Friday, 12 May 2023

Statement by President Higgins on the release of Mr Bernard Phelan

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-release-of-mr-bernardphelan

Monday, 15 May 2023

Statement by President Michael D. Higgins on the death of Peter Brooke

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-michael-d-higgins-on-the-death-ofpeter-brooke

Tuesday, 30 May 2023

President hosts afternoon tea event at Áras an Uachtaráin

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-hosts-afternoon-tea-event-at-aras-an-uachtarain

Wednesday, 31 May 2023

Statement by President Higgins on the death of Michael Viney

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-michaelviney

June 2023

Friday, 2 June 2023

Statement by President Higgins on the threat to the Amazon posed by legislation in the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-threat-to-the-amazonposed-by-legislation-in-the-brazilian-chamber-of-deputies

Wednesday, 7 June 2023

Statement by President Higgins on the death of Teddy McCarthy

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-teddymccarthy

Thursday, 8 June 2023

Statement by President Higgins on World Ocean Day 2023

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-world-ocean-day-2023

Tuesday, 13 June 2023

Statement by President Higgins on the death of Christy Dignam

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-christydignam

Sunday, 18 June 2023

President and Sabina Higgins host Bloomsday-themed Garden Party at Áras an Uachtaráin

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-and-sabina-higgins-host-bloomsday-themedgarden-party-at-aras-an-uachtarain-2023

Tuesday, 20 June 2023

Statement by President Higgins for World Refugee Day 2023

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-for-world-refugee-day-2023

July 2023

Tuesday, 4 July 2023

Message from President Michael D. Higgins Traveller Pride Week 2023

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/message-from-president-michael-d-higgins-traveller-prideweek-2023

Friday, 7 July 2023

President Higgins to undergo elective medical procedure

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-to-undergo-elective-medical-procedure

Wednesday, 26 July 2023

Statement by President Higgins on the death of Sinéad O’Connor

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-sineadoconnor

August 2023

Tuesday, 8 August 2023

President Higgins attending funeral service for Sinéad O’Connor

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-attending-funeral-service-for-sineadoconnor

Monday, 21 August 2023

Statement by President Higgins on the death of Seán Shannon

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-sean-shannon

Saturday, 26 August 2023

Statement by President Higgins following tragic road accident in Co Tipperary https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-following-tragic-roadaccident-in-co-tipperary

Thursday, 31 August 2023

Statement by President Higgins following remarks by UN Secretary-General at BRICS summit https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-following-remarks-by-unsecretary-general-at-brics-summit

September 2023

Thursday, 7 September 2023

Statement by President Higgins on the death of Professor Dermot Keogh https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-professordermot-keogh

Sunday, 10 September 2023

President Higgins marks 50th anniversary of Chilean coup d’état

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-marks-50th-anniversary-of-chilean-coupdetat

Saturday, 16 September 2023

President Higgins to lay wreath in memory of all Garda personnel who have lost their lives in service https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-to-lay-wreath-in-memory-of-all-gardapersonnel-who-have-lost-their-lives-in-service

Friday, 22 September 2023

Statement by President Michael D. Higgins on the death of Bride Rosney https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-michael-d-higgins-on-the-death-ofbride-rosney

Thursday, 28 September 2023

Statement by President Higgins following the death of Michael Gambon https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-following-the-death-ofmichael-gambon

October 2023

Friday, 6 October 2023

President Higgins to attend meeting of European Presidents in Portugal https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-to-attend-meeting-of-european-presidentsin-portugal

Statement by President Higgins following the 2023 meeting of the Arraiolos Group of non-executive EU Presidents

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-following-the-2023-meetingof-the-arraiolos-group-of-non-executive-eu-presidents

Saturday, 7 October 2023

Statement by President Higgins on the first anniversary of the Creeslough tragedy https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-first-anniversary-ofthe-creeslough-tragedy

Monday, 9 October 2023

Statement by President Higgins on violence in Israel and Gaza https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-violence-in-israel-and-gaza

Tuesday, 10 October 2023

Statement by President Higgins on the death of Chuck Feeney

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-chuck-feeney

Statement by President Higgins on the death of Críostóir Ó Floinn

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-criostoir-ofloinn

Wednesday, 11 October 2023

Statement by President Higgins on the death of Kim Damti

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-kim-damti

Monday, 16 October 2023

President Higgins to address Opening Session of the World Food Forum in Rome https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-to-address-opening-session-of-the-worldfood-forum-in-rome

Statement by President Michael D. Higgins on the death of Martti Ahtisaari

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-michael-d-higgins-on-the-death-ofmartti-ahtisaari

Tuesday, 17 October 2023

Statement by President Higgins on International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2023 https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-michael-d-higgins-international-dayfor-the-eradication-of-poverty-2023

Thursday, 19 October 2023

President Higgins to meet with Pope Francis in the Vatican https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-to-meet-with-pope-francis-in-the-vaticanoct-2023

Monday, 23 October 2023

Statement by President Michael D. Higgins on the 30th anniversary of the Shankill Road bombing https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-michael-d-higgins-on-the-30thanniversary-of-the-shankill-road-bombing

November 2023

Thursday, 2 November 2023

Statement by President Higgins on ongoing violence in the Middle East https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-ongoing-violence-in-themiddle-east

Thursday, 9 November 2023

President Higgins meets with Arab Ambassadors’ group https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-meets-with-arab-ambassadors-group

Sabina Higgins receiving treatment for breast cancer https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/sabina-higgins-receiving-treatment-for-breast-cancer

Friday, 10 November 2023

President Higgins meets with captains and managers of Bohemians and St Patrick’s Athletic ahead of FAI Cup Final

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-meets-with-captains-and-managers-ofbohemians-and-st-patricks-athletic-ahead-of-fai-cup-final

Tuesday, 14 November 2023

Statement by President Higgins on the death of Joan Jara

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-joan-jara

President Higgins meets with families of hostages held in Gaza

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-meets-with-families-of-hostages-held-ingaza

Wednesday, 15 November 2023

Declaración del Presidente Higgins sobre la muerte de Joan Jara

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/declaracion-del-presidente-higgins-sobre-la-muerte-de-joanjara

Friday, 17 November 2023

President Higgins hosts reception to mark World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-hosts-reception-to-mark-world-day-ofremembrance-for-road-traffic-victims

Statement by President Higgins following the death of Professor Seóirse Bodley https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-following-the-death-ofprofessor-seoirse-bodley

Saturday, 18 November 2023

Statement by President Higgins on the death of Leading Seaman Conor Kiely https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-leadingseaman-conor-kiely

Thursday, 23 November 2023

Statement by President Higgins on stabbings in Dublin city centre https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-stabbings-in-dublin-citycentre

Sunday, 26 November 2023

Statement by President Higgins on the release of Emily Hand https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-release-of-emily-hand

Statement by President Higgins on the death of Tras Honan https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-tras-honan

Monday, 27 November 2023

President Higgins encourages households and schools to watch the documentary ‘Patrick: A Young Traveller Lost’

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-encourages-households-and-schools-towatch-the-documentary-patrick-a-young-traveller-lost

Wednesday, 29 November 2023

Statement by President Higgins following the death of Michael Ewing

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-following-the-death-ofmichael-ewing

Thursday, 30 November 2023

Statement by President Higgins on the death of Shane MacGowan

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-shanemacgowan

December 2023

Friday, 1 December 2023

President Higgins launches two-volume collection of Centenary reflections

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-launches-two-volume-collection-ofcentenary-reflections

Tuesday, 5 December 2023

Statement by President Higgins on the death of Rosemary Smith

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-rosemarysmith

Wednesday, 6 December 2023

President Higgins appoints Séamas Ó Concheanainn as Coimisinéir Teanga

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-appoints-seamas-o-concheanainn-ascoimisineir-teanga

Thursday, 7 December 2023

Statement By President Higgins on the destruction of schools in Khirbet Zanuta

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-destruction-of-schoolin-khirbet-zanuta

Sabina Higgins thanks public for support

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/sabina-higgins-thanks-public-for-support

Monday, 11 December 2023

Statement by President Higgins on the death of Thomas Kilroy

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-thomaskilroy

Monday, 18 December 2023

Statement by President Higgins following meeting with WHO Director General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-following-meeting-with-whodirector-general-dr-tedros-ghebreyesus

Wednesday, 27 December 2023

Statement by President Higgins on the death of Jacques Delors

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-jacquesdelors

Thursday, 28 December 2023

Statement by President Higgins on the work of UNRWA

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-work-of-unrwa

Sunday, 31 December 2023

Statement by President Higgins on violence in Middle East

https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-violence-in-middle-east

FINANCES AND GOVERNANCE

The Constitution of Ireland, Bunreacht na hÉireann, established the Office of President, and the Presidential Establishment Act 1938 set out the role of President and his/her associated allowances.

The budget for the Office of the President is set by the Oireachtas, on an annual basis, under Vote 1. Spending under this heading is detailed annually in the Appropriation Account, which is independently audited and published by the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG).

The Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General performs its audit under the authority conferred by the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act 1993 and in accordance with the International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) as promulgated by the International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions. The audit, through the reporting of the audit opinion, give independent assurance that the Appropriation Account properly presents the receipts and expenditure of the Vote for the current year of account and has been prepared in the form prescribed by the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform.

Details of expenditure by the Office of the President are also published on the Áras an Uachtaráin website, www.president.ie

Staffing levels, and salaries of every member of the President’s staff, are set according to standard civil service pay scales and arrangements. All salary costs are paid from the general President’s Vote and are, therefore, reported to –and audited by – the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) on an annual basis.

Salaries, Wages and Allowances

Travel and Subsistence

Training and Development

Professional, Consultancy and Other Services

Operating Expenses

Asset and Equipment Expenses

Premises and Accommodation Expenses

Communications Expenses

Centenarian Bounty

2,141

1,441

4,199

To offset emissions associated with Official Air Travel undertaken in 2023 the Office of the Secretary General to the President paid an amount of €266 into the Climate Action Fund.

The Internal Audit function for the President’s Establishment has rested with the Internal Audit Unit of the Department of the Taoiseach since 2012/2013.

The Audit Committee provides independent oversight of financial arrangements and is tasked with providing independent advice regarding the suitability and robustness of the organisation’s internal control systems and procedures. Its work is informed by analysis of the financial risks to which the Office of the President is exposed and aims to cover the key controls on a rolling basis over a reasonable period. The Committee met on 4 occasions during 2023.

Allied Services

The Office of the President is supported by a number of Government Departments and State Agencies.

The Defence Forces provide ceremonial support to the President for State events including State Visits, Credentials Ceremonies and Commemoration Ceremonies, and also provide continuous formal and informal assistance to the President through the Office of the Aide de Camp. An Garda Síochána provide security and transport for the President and the Department of Foreign Affairs plan and organise the President’s official foreign travel. The Office of Public Works (OPW) look after the listed building that is Áras an Uachtaráin and provide all the services required for the many events hosted at the Áras. The formal gardens, and the certified organic vegetable and kitchen gardens that provide fruit, vegetables and flowers for use at the many events hosted by Áras an Uachtaráin, are also managed by the OPW. The National Shared Services Office provide human resources, financial management and payroll shared services. The Office of the Government Chief Information Office (OGCIO), provides standard corporate ICT services.

1938 Allowance

The annual Presidential allowance of €317,434 per calendar year exists to support the work of the Presidency.

The allowance has been in existence since 1938, under the terms of the Presidential Establishment Act 1938, and has been available to every President over the last 80 years. The current amount was set in 1998 (under S.I. No. 67/1998).

The allowance is used to meet additional costs not covered elsewhere in the President’s Vote and assists in enabling each President to define his or her Presidency.

In recent years, the allowance has been used to support hospitality for the approximately 20,000 people that visit Áras an Uachtaráin each year (not including years impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic), State Dinners for visiting Heads of State, and the hundreds of events hosted by the President at Áras an Uachtaráin each year.

To further enhance transparency, an external Oversight Committee was independently established, and meets throughout the year, including virtually.

The following is a financial summary of the matters considered.

These figures relate to spending under the 1938 Allowance for the period 1 January 2023 – 31 December 2023.

During the seven years of his second term in office, President Higgins welcomed some 140,000 people to Áras an Uachtaráin, and the hospitality costs associated with these visits were covered by the 1938 Allowance.

At the end of his first term the President returned the unspent portions of the Allowance, totalling €238,443, to the exchequer, as was detailed in the Presidency in Review report, published in 2018. Similarly, at the end of his current term, in 2025, President Higgins will return any unspent funds from the Allowance.

This publication is made available under open licence. Readers are free to copy, publish, distribute and transmit this publication, provided the source is stated explicitly and clearly. This publication may not be used for political or commercial purposes, and use of the logo of the President of Ireland and the President’s Establishment is not permitted.

Any use of third party copyright material included in this publication requires permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available via www.president.ie

Any enquiries regarding this publication should be sent to us using the contact details available at www.president.ie

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