A YEAR IN REVIEW 2024
President Michael D. Higgins
FOREWORD
I am pleased to offer this review detailing some of the work of the Office of the President during the year 2024.
2024 was a year in many ways defined by horrific scenes of starvation and violence in far too many parts of the world. The 2024 Global Report on Food Crises reported that it was the fifth consecutive year of growing numbers facing high levels of acute food insecurity.
The number one driver of this increase in food insecurity was conflict, affecting 135 million people across 20 territories, while economic shocks affected 75 million people and climate change-related weather extremes a further 72 million.
Conflict was the driver of a particularly rapid increase in acute food insecurity and malnutrition in Sudan and Gaza.
Over the course of the year, I sought to draw attention to the horrific conditions facing so many people on our shared, vulnerable planet, and to the fundamental structural changes needed to break the cycle of recurring famines.
I was honoured to receive the Agricola Medal of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations at a ceremony in Áras an Uachtaráin in June and to have the opportunity to expand further on the urgent need to build a ‘globalisation from below’, one which can break dependencies and build a global food security which adequately responds to climate change and the needs of sustainability, while offering the best prospects for avoiding unnecessary conflict and achieving peace.
These were themes I returned to in addressing the United Nations Summit of the Future at the UN General Assembly in New York in September, and again
when delivering the annual Kofi Annan Eminent Speakers’ Lecture in November.
I discussed these and a range of other topics with a wide number of fellow Heads of State and senior officials while in New York and over the course of the year in Ireland.
In October, I was pleased to receive the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Tô Lâm, on a State Visit to Ireland. I was also pleased to welcome to Ireland on Official Visits the President of Italy Sergio Mattarella in May, the President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa in September, and the President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in December.
I was also delighted to have the opportunity of travelling to Manchester in April, and of renewing my connection with the city in which I studied as a postgraduate student in the late 1960s.
2024 marked the 50th anniversary of the Dublin and Monaghan Bombings of 17th May 1974, and it was a moment of great importance to have the opportunity of meeting with survivors and the families of those killed both in Dublin and Monaghan, as well as in a number of other bombings which took place during these horrific years of violence, and to attend and address the commemorations marking what was the greatest loss of life in a single day during those horrific years, with 34 people including a full-term unborn baby killed and more than 300 people injured.
Sabina and I were also honoured to remember those 48 young people who lost their lives in the Stardust tragedy of 14th February 1981 and to recognise their families, who had to fight for the truth for so many decades before the finding of unlawful killing was made at the Dublin District Coroner’s Court in April.
The year also marked the 40th anniversary of the
commencement of the Anti-Apartheid Strike by Dunnes Stores workers in 1984. Sabina and I were delighted to welcome Mary Manning and representatives of those who took part in this brave and vital action at Áras an Uachtaráin to mark the occasion.
As an Olympic year, the achievements of so many Irish athletes at both the Paris Olympics and Paralympics will live long in the memory and it was a pleasure to welcome many of our successful athletes to Áras an Uachtaráin to mark their historic achievements.
We were also delighted to once again welcome members of the public from all across the country to the Áras at many events over the course of the year, including at our annual series of summer garden parties.
For those interested, there is more information on all of the events which I have mentioned, 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 they will prove of interest to you.
Before finishing, I would like to take the opportunity to thank all those who took the time to send me their best wishes following the minor stroke which I experienced while working in the Áras on 29 February. Those messages of support were a great comfort and source of strength in my recovery and I am delighted that I was able to quickly return to public events to say thank you to the public in the weeks after. May I also take the opportunity of paying particular thanks to the staff of St James Hospital for the care which I received, and to the physio team who have so ably assisted me in the months that followed.
Míle buíochas.
Michael
D. Higgins
Uachtarán na hÉireann President of Ireland
President Michael D. Higgins
A YEAR IN REVIEW 2024
President Michael D. Higgins opens the 2024 BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition
On 10 January, President Higgins opened the 2024 BT Young Scientist and Technology 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 Higgins meet some of the students who participated in the 2024 BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition
Images courtesy of Fennell Photography
President Michael D. Higgins
President Michael D. Higgins unveils a plaque in Rahoon Cemetery
On 13 January, President Higgins unveiled a plaque in Rahoon Cemetery, Galway, to mark the connection of the grave of Michael ‘Sonny’ Bodkin with James Joyce, Nora Barnacle and the Joyce’s renowned short-story ‘The Dead’, which the President has said is one of the greatest short stories of all time.
The ‘lonely churchyard where Michael Furey lay buried’, which forms the climax of ‘The Dead’, is the final resting place of the character Gretta Conroy’s late young lover Michael Furey.
Joyce partly based the fictional character of Michael Furey on the real Michael ‘Sonny’ Bodkin, who had an earlier relationship with Nora Barnacle and died at the age of 20 from tuberculosis. Michael Bodkin’s grave is in the Bodkin Family Vault in Rahoon Cemetery.
2024 is the 110th anniversary of the publication of ‘The Dead’ within James Joyce’s acclaimed collection ‘Dubliners’, with the plaque unveiling taking place on the 83rd anniversary of Joyce’s death, on 13 January 1941 in Zurich.
The plaque was commissioned by Galway City Council and unveiled by the President at the Bodkin Family Vault in a ceremony attended by Michael Bodkin’s grandniece Mrs Mary O’Connor and her family. Singer Noel O’Grady sang ‘The Lass of Aughrim’, which plays a central role in events in ‘The Dead’, as part of the ceremony.
Speaking at the event, President Higgins said:
"What is perhaps most notable is how each person who reads ‘The Dead’ finds their own reason for admiration, their own resonance with the melancholic story, the richly drawn characters and the lyrical language used by Joyce.”
The plaque unveiled by the President includes an inscription of the following extract from ‘The Dead’: “His soul swooned slowly as he heard the snow falling faintly through the universe and faintly falling, like the descent of their last end, upon all the living and the dead.”
The unveiling is one of a number of events which President Higgins has undertaken over the course of his Presidency to mark the life and work of James Joyce. Each year, the President and Sabina host a Garden Party at Áras an Uachtaráin to mark Bloomsday.
Mary O’Connor, grandniece of Michael Bodkin, President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins
Mary O’Connor, grandniece of Michael Bodkin and President Michael D. Higgins
Images courtesy of Aengus McMahon Photography
President Michael D. Higgins presents the 2023 Presidential Distinguished Service Awards
On 16 January, at a ceremony in Áras an Uachtaráin, President Higgins presented the 2023 Presidential Distinguished Service Awards for the Irish Abroad.
The Awards are presented by the President every year, in recognition of the service given to this country, or to Irish communities abroad, by those who live outside Ireland.
The Awards were created in 2011, as a means to recognise the contribution of members of the Irish diaspora, and the first awards were presented by President Higgins in 2012.
The 2023 recipients are:
Arts, Culture, and Sport
Mr. Aidan Connolly (USA)
Ms. Pauline Turley (USA)
Dr. Beatriz Kopschitz Bastos (Brazil)
Mr. Philip Treacy (Britain)
Mr. Fritz Senn (Switzerland)
Business and Economic Development
Dr. Howard Keeley (USA)
Charitable Works and Advocacy
Ms. Caoilfhionn Gallagher K.C. (Britain)
Dr. Stanley Quek (Singapore)
Education, Science, and Innovation
Dr. Patricia Lewis (Britain)
Inclusion and Equality
Ms. Maria Doyle (France)
Irish Community Support
Ms. Sinéad El Sibai (UAE)
Mr. Séamus Sullivan (Australia)
Peace, Reconciliation, and Development
Fr. Gabriel Dolan (Kenya)
Throughout his term in office, President Higgins has emphasised the global nature of Ireland’s cultural heritage, the significance of the diaspora and the common history and identity we share “despite the borders, oceans and miles that may separate us”.
President Michael D. Higgins and Mr. Philip Treacy
President Michael D. Higgins and Ms. Maria Doyle
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins attend “Larkin150”
On 26 January, the President and Sabina Higgins attended Larkin150, an evening of celebration at Liberty Hall, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Jim Larkin.
Among those performing were Sabina Higgins who read Chapter 1, The Founding of the Citizen Army from the book ‘The Story of the Irish Citizen Army’ by Sean O’ Casey as well as many others; Francis Devine who sang ‘Who Fears to Wear the Red Hand Badge’, Michael McConnon who read a poem by his recently deceased wife Stella McConnon about her grandfather Jim Larkin and Donal Fallon who introduced the historian panel for a discussion on Larkin and Larkinism.
Karen Casey
Joe Cunningham, SIPTU and President Michael D. Higgins
Donal Fallon, Ethel Buckley and Sabina Higgins Images courtesy of Edward Soye
President Michael D. Higgins delivers keynote address at the National Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration
On 28 January, President Higgins delivered the keynote address at the National Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration.
The annual Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration cherishes the memory of all who perished in the Holocaust. It recalls the six million Jewish men, women and children and millions of others who were persecuted and murdered by the Nazis because of their ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliations or their religious beliefs.
In his address, the President said:
“We all are so honoured yet again on this Holocaust Memorial Day 2024 to have Holocaust survivors Suzi Diamond and Tomi Reichental with us, and representative relatives of those who were victims.
The personal recollections of Survivors of the Holocaust, deeply painful as they must be for those who make them, are so important, constituting as they do a powerful giving of witness, an invaluable authenticity as context to any words any of us may use, reminding us, as they do, of the millions of individual lives which together make up the collective experience of the Shoah – families murdered, families torn from each other, deaths suffered, sometimes witnessed, and so many others in solitary conditions.
Ensuring that we recall this period ethically, with the fullest context, nothing hidden, that all the victims are remembered, is of the utmost importance.”
President Michael D. Higgins
President Michael D. Higgins addresses Social Justice Ireland conference
On 31 January, President Higgins delivered the keynote address at the 2024 Social Justice Movement Conference: A fifty-year view.
This year’s conference and reception marked the retirement of Dr Seán Healy and Sr Brigid Reynolds as CEO and Company Secretary of Social Justice Ireland and celebrated their fifty years of public service in Ireland.
Throughout his career, President Higgins has worked to promote policies and initiatives that recognise the fundamental truth that all citizens matter, and that everyone has a contribution to make to the achievement of 'a real republic'.
As President, he initiated a Special Initiative, called 'Participation and Transformation', aimed at highlighting the importance of ensuring all citizens can participate in the social and political processes that affect their lives - which involves empowering citizens
to make use of the opportunities open to them and, equally important, removing the many barriers to meaningful participation that exist.
The President said:
“We are all greatly indebted to Dr Sean Healy and Sr Brigid Reynolds who retire today from their roles as Chief Executive and Company Secretary respectively of the independent social justice think-tank Social Justice Ireland. They leave behind them such a rich legacy of independent social analysis and evidence-based policy formulation.
Whether it be their work on that most important researchbased and inclusive institution, the National Economic and Social Council, or on government task forces dealing with social and economic policy issues ranging from taxation to the labour market, housing to poverty, income adequacy to rural development, or the more than 20 books on public policy that they have written together, there can be no doubt that the advocacy work undertaken by Dr Healy and Sr Reynolds has assisted in the achieving of a more inclusive, sustainable society here in Ireland.”
President Michael D. Higgins addresses the Social Justice Ireland Conference
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins attend Nothing Compares: A Celebration of Irish Women Artists
On 1 February, marking the beginning of spring and the celebration of Lá Fhéile Bríde, St Brigid's Day, the President and Sabina Higgins attended Nothing Compares: A Celebration of Irish Women Artists.
The event was organised by Hot Press magazine and Kildare County Council celebrating of the creativity of female Irish artists and included performances by Imelda May, HamsandwicH, Camille O’Sullivan, Niamh Regan and Nell Mescal.
President Michael D. Higgins receives 2024 President’s Cup Men and Women Team Captains
On 6 February, President Higgins welcomed the Men and Women’s Team Captains participating in this year’s FAI President’s Cup matches.
On Friday, 9 February, SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division Champions Shamrock Rovers played the 2023 Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup Winners St. Patrick’s Athletic in the men’s match.
On Saturday, 2 March 2023 FAI Cup winners Athlone Town played the Women's Premier Division champions Peamount United at Athlone Town Stadium.
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins with Guests at Nothing Compares: A Celebration of Irish Women Artists Image courtesy of Miguel Ruiz Hotpress
Karen Duggan, Captain - Peamount United, Laurie Ryan, CaptainAthlone Town, President Michael D. Higgins, Lee Grace, Vice Captain - Shamrock Rovers and Joe Redmond, Captain - St. Patrick’s Athletic
President Michael D. Higgins receives members from the Irish Seed Savers Association
On 7 February, President Higgins welcomed members of the Irish Seed Savers Association to Áras an Uachtaráin on a courtesy call.
The Irish Seed Savers Association are a non-profit organisation maintaining Ireland’s only public seed bank, with over 800 non-commercially available varieties of seed.
In June 2012, President Higgins officially opened the Irish Seed Savers Association’s Leader funded Seed Bank. The Seed Bank is an important facility for Ireland, in terms of conservation, biodiversity and food security.
President Michael D. Higgins signs the Book of Condolence for former President of Chile, Mr. Sebastián Piñera Echeñique
On 7 February, President Higgins travelled to the Embassy of Chile in Dublin, where he signed the book of condolences for the former President of Chile, Mr. Sebastián Piñera Echeñique.
In October, 2012 President Higgins undertook an official visit to South America visiting Chile, Brazil and Argentina.
During his time in Chile he visited Santiago where he laid a wreath at the grave of Bernardo O’Higgins, a Chilean independence leader who freed Chile from Spanish rule in the early 1800s and who was one of the country’s founding fathers.
He later arrived at the Palacio de La Moneda, or La Moneda as it is more commonly known, where he was welcomed by President Piñera.
The President also delivered an address at the University of Diego Portales in Santiago.
Sabina Higgins, President Michael D. Higgins, Elaine Bradley, Gillian Lattimore, Marie Collins and Anne English
President Michael D. Higgins signs Book of Condolence
President Michael D. Higgins welcomes students from Indiana University, Bloomington at Áras an Uachtaráin
On 12 February, President Higgins received students from Indiana University Bloomington on a courtesy call. In 1967, President Higgins graduated from Indiana University with a Master of Arts degree in Sociology.
President Michael D. Higgins receives representatives of the Irish United Nations Veterans Association, Post 30 Renmore Barracks, at Áras an Uachataráin
On 23 February, President Higgins received representatives of the Irish United Nations Veterans Association, Post 30 Renmore Barracks, on a courtesy call at Áras an Uachtaráin.
President Michael D. Higgins and students from Indiana University
President Michael D. Higgins and representatives of the Irish United Nations Veterans Association
President Michael D. Higgins attends the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards
On 27 February, President Higgins attended the annual RTÉ Folk Awards in Vicar Street, Dublin.
The event celebrates the significant contribution that folk musicians and bands have made to Irish culture. Hosted by RTÉ's John Creedon; the event featured live performances from Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin, Niamh Bury, Bláth na hÓige, Johnny McEvoy, Rhiannon Giddens and more.
President Michael D. Higgins presents the Dublin International Film Festival Volta Award
On 28 February, President Higgins presented the 2024 Volta Award to British film director Steve McQueen, at the Dublin International Film Festival.
One of the highest accolades in Irish film, previous Volta Award recipients include Daniel Day Lewis, Al Pacino, Kristin Scott Thomas, Thierry Frémaux, and Dame Julie Andrews.
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 Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins vote on Family Referendum and Care Referendum
On 8 March, the President and Sabina Higgins voted on the Family Referendum and Care Referendum in St. Mary’s Hospital, Phoenix Park.
President Michael D. Higgins and Steve McQueen Image courtesy of Brian McEvoy picturesinpublicity
Sabina Higgins and President Michael D. Higgins
Mr. Kevin Bakhurst, Director-General, RTÉ and President Michael D. Higgins. Image courtesy of RTÉ Radio 1
President Michael D. Higgins speaks with H.E.
Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa
On 14 March, President Higgins spoke with H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, via telephone.
President Ramaphosa thanked the President for the solidarity which Ireland has shown with South Africa. The two Heads of State spoke at a very troubled time in a world torn by war.
The Presidents discussed the situation in Gaza and noted South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). President Higgins further noted the strong statement made by the Attorney General on behalf of Ireland on 22 February in the separate ICJ case regarding the Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.
President Ramaphosa welcomed the efforts being made by Ireland in its discussions with other countries regarding the situation in Gaza.
President Higgins noted that Africa is the continent of the young and the two Presidents discussed the need for the reform of the international multilateral institutions and that the new world to be made would demand more than the adjustment of the old.
The Presidents further discussed food security and President Ramaphosa expressed the hope that there could be potential further increased cooperation between the countries in education and in the science and technology areas.
The Presidents also placed a strong emphasis on equality in civil society, including the importance of LGBTQI+ issues.
President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Michael D. Higgins
President Michael D. Higgins Saint Patrick’s Day Message 2024
“May I, on this Saint Patrick’s Day 2024, send my warmest greetings as Uachtarán na hÉireann, President of Ireland, to all of our extended Irish family and indeed to all of those interested in Ireland across the world, whose interest is much appreciated.
Wherever they may be, and in whatever circumstances, the Irish scattered across the world, and all those who feel a connection to our country, are part of a global family that on this special day celebrates and invokes a shared culture and heritage, but reminds us too of a humanity of possibilities and vulnerabilities that we share despite the borders, oceans and miles that may separate us.
How so much better it would be that these celebrations be taking place in conditions of peace and shared concern for the sustainable future of our planet and all forms of life on it.
Unfortunately and tragically, our times are scarred by conditions of conflict, by wars and unresolved issues of hunger and poverty that affect so many in our human family. As we are all too aware, millions of people worldwide are struggling as a consequence of the contemporary multiple interacting crises, and of inequality, climate change and biodiversity loss.
In these challenging times, it is appropriate for us to invoke and reflect on the values that we wish to define us as Irish people. To call to mind those words and actions of which we can be proud.
Saint Patrick’s life embodied the values of solidarity, friendship and concern for humanity. Coming to Irish shores as an outsider, an exile, a migrant finding solace and purpose in a foreign land, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience, courage, and wide-ranging contribution of migrants throughout history, of those who seek refuge and shelter.
These migrant traits we rightly celebrate in those who have left our shores, including those who have made, and are
making, such important contributions to so many causes across the world. We see it today in the contributions of the many wonderful people who have come to live their lives in Ireland over recent decades and who are now such a central part of the Irish family, whose work makes our society possible in its vulnerabilities and possibilities.
An example of Irishness at its best, in a world marked by conflicts and unrest, is Ireland’s practical contribution to peace-building, as part of its commitment to living in peace and harmony with our global family. Encouraging others to do so becomes, in current conditions, ever more crucial.
On this, our National Day, we pay tribute to all those Irish women and men who are directly engaged in peacekeeping and in humanitarian relief around the world and of whom we are so proud.
Attacks on citizens have increased, as in the attack by Hamas last October followed by a reprisal of horrific assault as collective punishment. This year, all of the people in Gaza, ordinary citizens facing the most horrific of circumstances of war and displacement, will be in the thoughts of Irish people.
On this special day, it is important to call and pray for an immediate ceasefire, an end to the killing including as it does such a huge proportion of children, a ceasefire which will include too the release of all hostages. The facts of child deaths and malnutrition are carried each day on the television screens of the world – of children dying of lack of oxygen, with many more threatened with what will be a human-induced famine.
In responding to this, the lead taken by Ireland in giving increased and additional aid to UNRWA is an initiative of which Irish people can be proud, influenced as it is not only by our own history, but given the importance and urgent need for international humanitarian action, and international humanitarian law in our world.
So on this St. Patrick’s Day 2024, this is a special year for holding in our minds the Irish people who are involved in building and supporting peace in so many regions across
the world, including continuing the longest unbroken record of overseas service of any country in the world in peacekeeping with the United Nations, since first deploying to a United Nations mission in 1958.
This is such vital work at a time when humanity is faced with unprecedented challenges of a global kind. The United Nations, and multilateralism itself, is under grave threat. Secretary-General António Guterres’ recent comments as to how parties to conflict are not only ignoring but trampling on international law, the Geneva Conventions and even the United Nations Charter cannot be ignored. We all must respond to his words, support him.
Such a rejection of international law, of international responsibility, emphasises again how the Security Council has been weakened by abuse of the veto, leading as it has to its failure to respond with appropriate agreed resolutions both to Israel’s military operations in Gaza and to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine two years ago.
Now is the time for all those countries of the world who wish to see a world of peace, the building of a sustainable more equal world built on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, to come together and ensure our multilateral system is reformed to make these vital goals a reality.
Saint Patrick’s message was also, at its core and in a fundamental sense, one of respect for nature. We need no reminder of how we are now at a critical juncture in the battle against the consequences of climate change, the effects of which are being felt acutely by the world's most vulnerable populations. As Irish people, we have the opportunity to take a lead in building a better alternative, one based on principles of respect for nature, justice and inclusion.
Today, as we celebrate the heritage Saint Patrick gifted to us, we are encouraged to be guided by a recovery and reassertion of values such as solidarity, care, kindness and compassion.
We must never lose sight of the possibilities that remain for us in conditions of a shared peace; how our lives could be without war, famine, hunger and greed in a just world that eschews the poisonous ideals of imperialism, racism and xenophobia and embraces the decent instincts of humanity; of how we can build a society of inclusion at home, while working together with other nations to build a peaceful, hopeful world.
May I wish all those who share this island, and all those who have a connection with Ireland, an interest in matters Irish, wherever they may be in the world, a happy and peaceful Saint Patrick's Day.
Beir beannacht.”
President Michael D. Higgins
President Michael D. Higgins leads Easter Sunday Commemorations
On 31 March, President Higgins led a ceremony to mark the anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising.
The President laid a wreath outside the General Post Office, the landmark building that served as the headquarters of the 1916 rebels.
In 2016, President Higgins led a series of events commemorating the 1916 Rising. A selection of the President’s speeches during the centenary year have been published by the Government: ‘Ceiliúradh agus Comóradh Céad Bliain 1916 – 1916 Centenary Commemorations and Celebrations’ holds 35 speeches by President Higgins. They were delivered all around Ireland over a 2-year period, straddling the core centenary year of 2016 at both local and national events.
The book is available via the Government Publications Office, and for download online.
President Michael D. Higgins laid a Wreath outside the General Post Office
President Michael D. Higgins receives Mr. Des Gunning to present new scholarly work of Finnegan’s Wake
On 4 April, President Higgins received Mr. Des Gunning, founder member of the Joyceborough Finnegans Wake Reading Group, and members of the FW85 group at Áras an Uachtaráin to mark the 85th anniversary of the publication of James Joyce’s “Finnegans Wake’.
President Michael D. Higgins accepts the resignation of Leo Varadkar, T.D. as An Taoiseach
On 8 April, President Higgins accepted the resignation of Leo Varadkar, T.D. as An Taoiseach at Áras an Uachtaráin.
The President thanked An Taoiseach for his service during his time in office.
President Michael D. Higgins appoints Simon Harris, T.D. as An Taoiseach
On 9 April, President Higgins signed the Warrant of Appointment and presented the seal of An Taoiseach and seal of the Government to An Taoiseach, Simon Harris, T.D. in accordance with Article 13 of the Constitution.
An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, T.D. signs Visitors Book at Áras an Uachtaráin
President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins and members of FW85
President Michael D. Higgins and An Taoiseach, Simon Harris, T.D.
President Michael D. Higgins appoints Government Ministers
On 9 April, President Higgins in accordance with Article 13 of the Constitution, appointed the members of the Government in a ceremony held in the State Reception Room at Áras an Uachtaráin.
President Michael D. Higgins receives Ms. Francesca Fabbri Fellini on a Courtesy Call
On 14 April, the President and Sabina Higgins welcomed Ms. Francesca Fabbri Fellini, niece of the Italian film director and screenwriter Federico Fellini, and film and television producer Lelia Doolan to Áras an Uachtaráin on a courtesy call.
President Michael D. Higgins receives former Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Ms. Nancy Pelosi, on a courtesy call
On 21 April, President Higgins welcomed the former Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Ms. Nancy Pelosi, to Áras an Uachtaráin on a courtesy call.
Ms. Pelosi was accompanied by her husband Paul Pelosi, US Ambassador H.E. Ms. Claire D. Cronin and senior staffer, Kate Knudson.
Ms. Pelosi served as the 52nd speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023.
President Higgins previously met Ms. Pelosi when he hosted a working meeting for a US Congressional delegation at Áras an Uachtaráin in April 2019.
Lelia Doolan, President Michael D. Higgins, Francesca Fabbri Fellini, Sabina Higgins and Graziano Villa
President Michael D. Higgins and Government Ministers
President Michael D. Higgins and Nancy Pelosi
President Michael D. Higgins receives an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Manchester
On 23 April, President Higgins was conferred with the Degree of Doctor of Letters Honoris Causa by the Chancellor of the University of Manchester, Nazir Afzal OBE, in recognition of his extensive and significant contributions to literature and public life.
The citation was read by Professor John McAuliffe, Reader in Modern Literature and Creative Writing and Co-Director of the New Writing Centre at the University.
The conferral ceremony, with a dinner in the President’s honour, took place at the Whitworth Art Gallery, which forms part of the University. The ceremony was attended by the President and Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell.
The President undertook postgraduate studies at The University of Manchester from 1968 -1971.
President Michael D. Higgins delivers inaugural Lecture of the John Kennedy Lecture Series
On 24 April, President Higgins delivered the inaugural lecture in a new annual series of lectures which will run at the University of Manchester. Titled the John Kennedy Lecture Series, the lectures will run for five years as part of the University’s School of Arts, Languages and Cultures.
The title of the inaugural lecture, presented by President Higgins, is ‘Of the consciousness our times need in responding to interacting crises and the role of Universities as spaces of discourse in facilitating it’.
In his lecture, the President said:
“What is now needed of universities is the seeking of the space, the capacity, the community of scholarship necessary to robustly defend the free, critical, scholarly university tradition, and challenge, for example, such reductive paradigms of connection between economy and society, ethics and morality, democratic discourse and authoritarian imposition that have failed so demonstrably.
I believe that universities can lead in privileging a new global consciousness that calls for new paradigms of engagement with the world, contribute meaningfully to the discourse on the pressing challenges of the day, be it the crisis of democracy, the ecological crisis, the humanitarian crisis, global hunger and poverty, or the privileging of war at the expense of peace and multilateral engagement.
May I suggest that all of these issues are fundamentally based on how we take each other into account, be it by averting our gaze or celebrating together our differences, vulnerabilities, joy and anxieties in interdependency – how we may seek to “resonate” with each other, to quote philosophy Professor Hartmut Rosa.
All of these suggestions are about reclaiming the university as a space for curiosity, and of energy, as a space that accommodates strangeness, and even eccentricity too, a space that is a source of ethics.”
Chancellor of the University of Manchester, Nazir Afzal OBE and President Michael D. Higgins
President Michael D. Higgins
President Michael D. Higgins meets with Mr. Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester
On 24 April, during his visit to Manchester, President Higgins met with Mr. Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester.
President Michael D. Higgins receives The Rt. Hon. Dr. Moses F.M. Wetangu’la, Speaker of the National Assembly, Republic of Kenya, on a courtesy call
On 7 May, President Higgins received the Rt. Hon. Dr. Moses Francis Masika Wetangu'la, Speaker of the National Assembly, Republic of Kenya, to Áras an Uachtaráin on a courtesy call.
The Honourable Moses Francis Masika Wetang'ula is the current Speaker of the National Assembly of Kenya, as well as leader of the FORD-Kenya party. He was in Dublin for a three-day visit following an invitation from Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl, as a gesture of the enduring friendship between Kenya and Ireland.
President Michael D. Higgins leads the Annual 1916 Arbour Hill Commemoration Ceremony
On 8 May, President Higgins laid a wreath at the burial plot of leaders of the 1916 Rising at the annual State commemoration ceremony at Arbour Hill.
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.
The Rt. Hon. Dr. Moses F.M. Wetangu’la and President Michael D. Higgins
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester and President Michael D. Higgins
President Michael D. Higgins laid a wreath at Arbour Hill Image courtesy of Government Information Service
President Michael D. Higgins addresses the Dóchas 50th Anniversary Conference
On 9 May, President Higgins addressed the Annual Dóchas Conference.
Dóchas is an Irish Association of Non-Governmental Development Organisations. It was founded from the belief that every human being is fundamentally equal, working to protect and support the most vulnerable in society.
This year’s conference, titled 'Dóchas at 50: Sustainable Development in a Time of Climate Crisis’, celebrated five decades of collaboration amongst international development and humanitarian organisations in Ireland, and their collective vision for a just, equal and sustainable world.
In his address, the President said:
“For the past five decades, Dóchas has served as a vital voice of hope and solidarity, bringing together various nongovernmental groups and perspectives within the international development area under a single shared network to share experience, advocate for human rights, gender equality, and social justice around the world.”
President Michael D. Higgins receives Professor Attiya Waris, on a Courtesy Call
On 10 May, President Higgins received Professor Attiya Waris to Áras an Uachtaráin on a courtesy call.
Professor Waris is the current UN Independent Expert on Foreign Debt and other related international financial obligations of States on Human Rights and is the only Professor of Fiscal Law and Policy in Eastern Africa.
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina with members of Dóchas
President Michael D. Higgins and Professor Attiya Waris
President Michael D. Higgins delivers keynote address at the Robert Tressell Festival
On 11 May, President Higgins delivered the keynote address to the Robert Tressell Festival in Liberty Hall, Dublin.
Robert Tressell, was an Irish writer best known for his novel The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists. The festival is a celebration of Robert Tressell, his book, working-class culture, and of trade union solidarity. In his address, the President said:
“When we reflect on Robert Tressell, and indeed the many other literary figures involved in working class literature and agitation, we are taking the opportunity to celebrate the lives of workers who have taken part in, or organised, marches, fought for their rights, and stood in solidarity with their colleagues, their fellow citizens, and with people all over the world, in struggles against injustice, inequality and exclusion in the workplace. This Festival allows us to celebrate all that we have achieved together in the long and difficult struggle for workers’ rights in this country and across the globe as we continue to stand in solidarity with all those who suffer unfair and discriminatory work practices around the world.”
President Michael D. Higgins receives members of the Palestinian Women’s National Team on a courtesy call ahead of match versus Bohemian FC
On 13 May, President Higgins welcomed members of the Palestinian Women’s National Team and their opponents Bohemian FC on a courtesy call at Áras an Uachtaráin in advance of their historic football match at Dalymount Park on 15 May.
Also present were Her Exellency Dr. Jilan Abdalmajid, Ambassador-Head of Mission of the Palestinian Mission, and Jibril Rajoub, President of the Palestinian Football Association and Chair of the Palestinian Olympic Committee.
The President subsequently attended the match in Dalymount Park.
Ms. Mira Natour, Ms. Jeniver Shattara, President Michael D. Higgins, The President of the Palestinian Football Association, Lt. Gen. Jibril Al-Rajoub, Ms. Savanah Kane – Youngest member of the Bohemian’s team and Ms. Rachael Kelly – Captain of the Bohemians team
President Michael D. Higgins Image courtesy of Paddy Cole – Siptu
President Michael D. Higgins attends events in Dublin and Monaghan to mark the 50th anniversary of the Dublin and Monaghan Bombings
On 17 May, President Higgins addressed an event commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, in Talbot Street, Dublin.
Following the commemorative event in Dublin City, President Higgins travelled to Monaghan Town where he laid a wreath for the 50th anniversary of the bombings.
The President also met with relatives of victims at both locations.
Speaking at the Talbot Street event, President Higgins said:
“It is not only a matter of the most profound regret, it is unacceptable in terms of justice that no one group or institution has been made accountable for these atrocities. The manifest failure of both the British and Irish governments to initiate suitable responses in the aftermath of the attacks has left a legacy that cannot be left unaddressed. I share with the relatives gathered, or represented, here their feeling of being abandoned and failed by the system, of their being denied justice for the
loss of loved ones.
Many people have listened to the heart-breaking stories, heard of the remarkable bravery of bereaved families and survivors, and of their battle for the truth. However, relatives need more than an empathetic ear. Justice demands that they deserve the truth – no more, no less.
The truth must surely include a clear account of the context, the information shared and the knowledge as to preparations for what happened to, and caused the death and injuries of, those on 17th May 1974, the why and how these events occurred, who was responsible, and, perhaps most importantly, as to whether could the attacks have been prevented and, if so, why were they not so prevented?”
President Michael D. Higgins addresses the commemoration on Talbot Street in Dublin
Sabina Higgins, President Michael D. Higgins with relatives of the Monaghan Bombings – Monaghan Town
President Michael D. Higgins unveils a plaque to mark Glaslough’s achievement in winning the 2019 Tidy Town Competition
On 18 May, the President and Sabina Higgins visited Glaslough, to celebrate the town’s success in the 2019 Tidy Towns competition.
The President unveiled a plaque to commemorate the win, and pay tribute to the town's volunteers and community groups whose ideas and commitment form the heart of the initiative.
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina visit the Tyrone Guthrie Centre
On 19 May, the President and Sabina Higgins visited the Tyrone Guthrie Centre at Annaghmakerrig in Co Monaghan where they met with staff and some of the creative artists currently in residence.
President Michael D. Higgins receives H.E. Mr. Sergio Mattarella, President of Italy
On 19 May, President Higgins welcomed His Excellency, Mr. Sergio Mattarella, President of Italy to Áras an Uachtaráin.
The visit followed the October 2023 meeting between the two Presidents in Rome as part of a five-day programme which President Higgins undertook in Rome and the Holy See to coincide with his participation in the 2023 World Food Forum.
The following day, on 20 May, the two Heads of State officially inaugurated Parco Italia in Lucan. Lucan House has been the official residence of the Italian Ambassador to Ireland for over 80 years. Ownership of the Estate has been formally transferred to South Dublin County Council and will become a public cultural amenity, known as Parco Italia, following the departure of Ambassador Ruggero Corrias.
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins
President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins and Tyrone Guthrie Centre Staff
Sabina Higgins, President Michael D. Higgins, President Sergio Mattarella and his daughter, Laura Mattarella
President Michael D. Higgins receives Chief Rabbi Yoni Wieder, Chief Rabbi of Ireland, on a Courtesy Call
On 23 May, President Higgins received Yoni Wieder, Chief Rabbi of Ireland, to Áras an Uachtaráin on a Courtesy Call.
Chief Rabbi Wieder leads the Dublin Hebrew Congregation in Terenure, and is head of Jewish Studies at Stratford College. He has written extensively on the history and development of Halakha (Jewish law) in the modern era, and has essays published in religious and academic journals. His MA thesis analyses the reception and influence of the 19th century halakhic code Mishnah Berurah.
President Michael D. Higgins welcomes students from INTO Global Citizenship Schools
On 23 May, the President and Sabina Higgins welcomed school children from across the island of Ireland who have participated in the INTO Global Citizenship School to Áras an Uachtaráin to talk about the work their schools are doing in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO), founded in 1868, is the oldest and largest teachers’ trade union in Ireland.
Global Citizenship Schools supports primary schools in learning about and taking action on local and global issues.
President Michael D. Higgins and Chief Rabbi Yoni Wieder
President Michael D. Higgins with school children participating in the INTO Global Citizenship School initiative
President Michael D. Higgins hosts a reception to mark the centenary of the Irish Courts system
On 28 May, President Michael D. Higgins hosted a reception at Áras an Uachtaráin to mark the centenary of the Irish Courts system.
2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the Courts of Justice Act 1924, which established Ireland’s modern, independent Courts system.
President Higgins delivered an address at the event, which was responded to by the Chief Justice. The Chief Justice then presented the President with the first copy of the new edition of the book, ‘The Supreme Court of Ireland: A History’, originally published by Dr Rónán Kennedy in 2003 and which has now been updated to mark the centenary.
The event was attended by An Taoiseach, Simon Harris, the Chief Justice, Donal O’Donnell, members of the Supreme Court, the Attorney General, Rossa Fanning SC, Court Presidents, Judges from each of the Courts, and representatives from across the legal system.
The event was also attended by the Attorney General of Northern Ireland, Brenda King, Lady Chief Justice of Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Dame Siobhán Keegan, and the Honourable Justices John O’Hara and David Scoffield of the High Court of Northern Ireland.
Also in attendance were a number of senior European legal figures including the President of the Court of Justice of the European Union, Koen Lenaerts, and Judges from the Court, the President of the European Court of Human Rights, Síofra O’Leary, the Presidents of the Supreme Courts of Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Slovakia and Slovenia, the President of the Constitutional Court of Slovenia, and Professor Dr Henning Radtke of the Federal Constitutional Court of Germany.
In addition, the event was attended by a number of senior figures from other Common Law jurisdictions, including the Rt Hon Lord Ben Stephens of the UK Supreme Court, the Rt Hon Lord Justice Nicholas Underhill of the Court of Appeal of England and Wales, the Lord President of Scotland, the Rt Hon Lord Carloway Colin Sutherland, the Hon Mr Justice Sanjiv Khanna of the Supreme Court of India, and a number of senior Judges from Tanzania, including the Chief Justice of Tanzania, Prof Ibrahim Hamis Juma.
Chief Justice, Donal O’Donnell, President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina attend Listowel Writers’ Week
On 29 May, the President and Sabina Higgins travelled to Kerry to attend the 2024 Listowel Writers’ Week where President Higgins was presented with the John B. Keane Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of 'Service to the Arts in Ireland', and in celebration of the connections between the President’s literary and political careers. The award was presented by Conor Keane, son of John B. Keane.
Ireland's Oldest Literary and Arts Festival, Listowel Writers’ Week welcomes writers and readers to come together and celebrate the world of Literature.
President performs the official opening of Bloom 2024
On 30 May, President Higgins formally opened the annual Bord Bia Bloom show in Dublin's Phoenix Park. The President is Patron of the festival, which attracts over 100,000 visitors each year. In his address, the President said:
“When I look around today at those attending Bloom, I am filled with hope. I see citizens who are engaged, concerned, full of wonder and love for nature. You are biodiversity’s greatest allies. I see individuals and groups who are closer to nature than most, who understand Mother Nature’s resilience, who are committed to making the vital differences to our lives that collectively will contribute to a better, sustainable future for us all.”
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins vote in Local Government and European Parliament Elections
On 4 June, the President and Sabina Higgins voted in the Local Government and European Parliament elections.
President Michael D. Higgins Image courtesy of Ger Holland Photography
President Michael D. Higgins Image courtesy of Fennell Photography
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins
President receives the United Nations Agricola Medal from Dr. Qu Dongyu, Director General of the FAO
On 7 June, President Higgins received the Agricola Medal of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
The medal, which bears the Latin name for farmer, is conferred upon international figures who have undertaken outstanding efforts in advancing the cause of global food security, poverty alleviation and nutrition.
President Higgins, the first Irish recipient of the medal, received the award from the Director-General of the FAO, Dr. Qu Dongyu at an event in Áras an Uachtaráin.
It is customary that the recipient of the medal provides their own choice of inscription text for the medal. President Higgins asked for the inscription to read ‘Food Security as part of Universal Basic Services and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – the seeds of world peace’.
The vital need for food security, and the importance of moving past reactive emergency responses to tackling the underlying structural causes of hunger, has been a key theme of the President’s work.
President Michael D. Higgins with the Agricola Medal
The President has consistently raised the importance of food security, and the links between it and the interlocking global crises of global poverty, migration, debt and climate change in his meetings with global leaders in recent years. This included at his recent meetings with US President Joe Biden, His Holiness Pope Francis, and the Premier of the People’s Republic of China Li Qiang. It is also a topic which the President has repeatedly raised at the annual meetings of the Arraiolos Group of non-executive European Presidents.
In October 2023, President Higgins delivered two addresses on the topic of food security at the World Food Forum, hosted at the FAO’s headquarters in Rome, one at the Forum’s opening session as well as the keynote address the Forum’s closing session. The President’s addresses in Rome built on a further two addresses which he delivered at the second Dakar Summit on food sovereignty and resilience in Senegal in January 2023.
The President has also written extensively on the topic in recent years, including reflecting on the repeated crises which have arisen since he first travelled to Somalia and saw first-hand the devastation of the famine in that country in 1992.
Accepting the Medal, the President said:
“The existential challenges that face us today – be it global hunger, malnutrition and poverty, sustainability, biodiversity loss and climate change – they all require us, I suggest, to arrive at a new enhanced consciousness, a new point of balance, concord, resonance, agreement as to managing and sustaining the means to survival itself. Such a new consciousness must be one that seeks peace, recognises interdependence, aspires towards making war unnecessary, of global peaceful co-existence.
How appropriate it is that the word ‘Agricola’ – the award I receive today – is the Latin term for ‘farmer’. It is farmers around the world, custodians of the land, who will be responsible for the delivery of our new model of food production that will ultimately bring about a food-secure existence on this shared, fragile, vulnerable planet. We must work with our diverse groups of farmers in our world in support of this goal, recognising that the production, distribution and consumption of food are inextricably connected and require awareness and change from us all.”
“We have an opportunity to make this century the century in which we rid the planet once and for all of global hunger, one that will see a shared commitment to a global food-secure family, one based on the firm foundations of respect for each nation’s own institutions, traditions, experiences and wisdoms, founded on a recognition of the solidarity that binds us together as humans, and an acknowledgement of the responsibility we share for our vulnerable planet and the fundamental dignity of all those who hold life on it.
May I thank once again the Food and Agriculture Organisation and Director-General Qu Dongyu for the honour which you have bestowed on me by the award of this medal."
President Michael D. Higgins meets Students from Scoil Mhuire, Creeslough
On 11 June, President Higgins welcomed 6th class pupils and teachers from Scoil Mhuire, Creeslough, and Fr. John Joe Duffy, curate at St Michael’s Church, Creeslough, to Áras an Uachtaráin.
The community of Creeslough was deeply impacted by the horrific explosion which occurred in the village on 7 October 2022. President Higgins attended funerals and met with families of all of the victims, as well as with emergency services who had responded on the ground, in the immediate aftermath of the explosion. The President has retained a connection with Creeslough in the period since the explosion and has visited the area on a number of occasions.
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins attend a ceremony to commemorate the victims, survivors and all those affected by the Stardust Fire
On 23 June, the President and Sabina attended a ceremony in the Garden of Remembrance in Dublin to commemorate the victims, survivors and all those affected by the Stardust fire.
At the ceremony, the President laid a wreath on behalf of the people of Ireland. The event took place following the verdict of ‘unlawful killing’ reached in the Inquest into the deaths of each of the 48 young people who lost their lives in the Stardust on the morning of 14 February 1981 and the State apology issued by An Taoiseach, Simon Harris.
Speaking after the event, the President said:
“I was pleased to have the honour of laying a wreath on behalf of the people of Ireland at today’s Ceremony of Commemoration in the Garden of Remembrance on what was a very important day for the relatives of the victims, for the survivors and for all those affected by the Stardust Fire. I look forward to welcoming the families who lost loved ones and those who were injured in the fire to Áras an Uachtaráin in the autumn.”
President Michael D. Higgins and Ms. Annita Demetriou, President of the House of Representatives of Cyprus
President Michael D. Higgins and Students from Schoil Mhuire, Creeslough
President Michael D. Higgins appoints Minister of State Jack Chambers, T.D. as Minister for Finance
On 26 June, President Higgins appointed Minister of State Jack Chambers T.D. as Minister for Finance, in a ceremony held in the State Reception Room at Áras an Uachtaráin.
President Michael D. Higgins attends National Day of Commemoration
On 14 July, President Higgins attended the National Day of Commemoration at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham.
The National Day of Commemoration commemorates all Irishmen and Irishwomen who died in past wars or on service with the United Nations. At the ceremony, the President lays a wreath on behalf of the people of Ireland, after which one minute of silence is observed.
The day 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.
Between December 2020 and November 2022, the President hosted a series of six seminars at Áras an Uachtaráin inviting reflections on the War of Independence, the Treaty Negotiations, the Civil War and Partition in his Machnamh 100 initiative.
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 receives the President of Moldova, H.E. Ms. Maia Sandu, on a Courtesy Call
On 19 July, President Higgins welcomed Her Excellency Ms. Maia Sandu, President of the Republic of Moldova, to Áras an Uachtaráin on a courtesy call.
President Sandu is making several working visits outside of Moldova, where she will talk with the Moldovan diaspora.
Miss Sandu was sworn in as the President of the Republic of Moldova on December 24, 2020 following the second round of the Presidential elections. The Presidential term lasts four years and starts on the oathtaking day.
Minister of State Jack Chambers, T.D., President Michael D. Higgins, An Taoiseach, Simon Harris and Tánaiste, Micheál Martin
President Michael D. Higgins – Royal Hospital Kilmainham
President Michael D. Higgins and President Maia Sandu
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins receives representatives of Dunnes Stores Anti-Apartheid Strikers
On 19 July, the President and Sabina Higgins received representatives of the Dunnes Stores Anti-Apartheid Strikers at Áras an Uachtaráin.
The date marked the 40th anniversary of the commencement of the Dunnes Stores Anti-Apartheid strike, which began on 19 July 1984 when Mary Manning refused to handle the sale of grapefruit from South Africa.
To mark the anniversary, the President and Sabina met with strikers Liz Deasy, Karen Gearon, Sandra Griffin, Mary Manning, Theresa Mooney, Vonnie Munroe McCue, Cathryn O Reilly, Alma Russell and Michelle Sherlock at the Áras.
Speaking at the event, the President said:
“May I say, on behalf of the people of Ireland, that all Irish people, all workers, are all so grateful that you, the workers of Dunnes Stores on Henry Street, took that moral stand and refused to handle produce imported from South Africa. It was an utterly selfless act of worker solidarity.”
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins attends the official opening of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024
On 4 August, President Higgins formally opened the 2024 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford.
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is the world’s largest celebration of Irish music, language, song and dance.
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins attend a gala performance of Dancing at Lughnasa by Brian Friel
On 25 August, the President and Sabina Higgins attended a gala performance of Dancing at Lughnasa by Brian Friel at Dublin's Gate Theatre.
President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins and representatives of Dunnes Stores Anti-Apartheid Strikers
President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins, Tadhg Byrne, Caoimhe Kelly, Nicole Brooks, Lisa Doran, Ciara Banville and Cillian Cullen Image courtesy of Ena Doocey, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann
President Michael D. Higgins and members of Dancing at Lughnasa Image courtesy of Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland
President receives H.E. President of the Portuguese Republic, Professor Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa
On 4th September, the President and Sabina Higgins welcomed H.E. President of the Portuguese Republic, Professor Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, to Áras an Uachtaráin for a meeting and lunch.
The two Head of States’ most recent previous meeting was during the annual meeting of the Arraiolos Group of non-executive European Presidents, which was hosted by President Rebelo de Sousa in Porto in October 2023.
President Higgins previously welcomed President Rebelo de Sousa to the Áras with a ceremonial welcome during his State Visit to Ireland in October 2022. President Rebelo de Sousa’s State Visit returned that made by President Higgins to Portugal in December 2015.
President Michael D. Higgins attends UEFA Nations League game between Ireland and England
On 7 September, President Higgins attended the UEFA Nations League match between Ireland and England at the Aviva Stadium.
At the match, the President met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
President Michael D. Higgins and Prime Minister Keir Starmer
President Michael D. Higgins and President of the Portuguese Republic, Professor Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa
President Michael D. Higgins receives members of the Yazidi community, on a Courtesy Call
On 9 September, President Higgins welcomed members of the Yazidi community, to Áras an Uachtaráin on a courtesy call. The group included Natia Navrouzov, Executive Director of Yazda, Shireen Khero Khudeeda a survivor of ISIS and members of Yazda, the global community-led institution that protects and champions all religious and ethnic minority communities in Iraq and the KRI.
In November 2016, the President and Sabina Higgins welcomed Nadia Murad, the Iraqi Yazidi human rights activist, to Áras an Uachtaráin. In 2018, Nadia Murad and Congolese Gynaecologist, Denis Mukwege were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for "their efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict."
President Michael D. Higgins receives delegation of Trade Union Leaders from the USA, on a Courtesy Call
On 9 September, President Higgins welcomed a delegation of Trade Union Leaders from the United States of America, to Áras an Uachtaráin on a courtesy call. The delegation of thirty-five trade union leaders, including General Presidents from across eight of the largest trade unions in the US, were hosted by the James Connolly Visitor Centre during their visit to Ireland. President Higgins officially opened Áras Uí Chonghaile, the James Connolly Visitor Centre in April 2019.
President Michael D. Higgins receives the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Mr. James Geoghegan, on a Courtesy Call
On 12 September, President Higgins received the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Mr. James Geoghegan, to Áras an Uachtaráin on a courtesy call.
President Michael D. Higgins and Lord Mayor of Dublin, James Geoghegan
President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins and a delegation of USA Trade Union Leaders
President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins and members of the Yazidi community
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins host a reception for Team Ireland Paris 2024
On 13 September, the President and Sabina Higgins hosted a reception at Áras an Uachtaráin for the athletes who represented Ireland with such distinction at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Those in attendance included gold medallists Kellie Harrington, Fintan McCarthy and Rhys McClenaghan, as well as bronze medallists Philip Doyle and Daire Lynch. Also in attendance were Rio 2021 medallists Fiona Murtagh, Eimear Lambe and Aifric Keogh, each of whom also competed at Paris 2024; fourth place finishers Sophie Becker, Phil Healy, Sharlene Mawdsley, Kelly McGrory, and Seán Waddilove; and athletes and performance directors from across Team Ireland.
Speaking at the event, President Higgins said:
“Paris 2024 was Ireland’s most successful ever Olympic Games: seven medals, four gold, three bronze, 26 top-10 finishes, all led by the nation’s largest-ever team of 134 qualified athletes across 15 sports.
The combined medals of Mona McSharry, Daniel Wiffen, Rhys McClenaghan, Phillip Doyle, Daire Lynch, Paul
O’Donovan, Fintan McCarthy and Kellie Harrington constitutes what will likely be regarded as the greatest single week in the history of Irish sport.
How fitting that all these achievements occurred 100 years after Ireland's first appearance as an independent nation at the Olympics Games in 1924, which also took place in Paris, when Jack Butler Yeats won silver in the Painting competition and Oliver St. John Gogarty took home a bronze medal in the Literature event.
Each of our record-setting medallists has brought enormous joy to all those watching across our island and beyond and has been a source of pride and encouragement.
The Olympics has been the culmination of four years, indeed a lifetime, of hard work and dedicated training by our athletes, and I extend my admiration and deep appreciation to all those who have competed and given their all across so many sporting disciplines, including personal bests, national records and an Olympic record. In every aspect there has been real achievement.
We recognise today too the enormous contribution of the coaches and mentors and the vital contribution of your families and supporters who have supported you to this pinnacle of sporting achievement, many of whom travelled to Paris to cheer you on, and to all those who have helped you on their individual and collective journeys.”
President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins and Team Ireland Paris 2024
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins host a recording of Sunday Miscellany for Culture Night
On 13 September, to mark Culture Night at Áras an Uachtaráin, the President and Sabina Higgins hosted a recording of RTÉ Radio 1’s Sunday Miscellany.
Due to the President’s schedule of State business, the event took place in advance of the official date of Culture Night and was held on Friday, 13 September 2024.
The President and Sabina Higgins welcomed members of the public to Áras an Uachtaráin for the special recording, featuring an array of literary and musical talent including Donal Ryan, Manchán Magan, Aingeala Flannery, Rita Ann Higgins, Cormac Begley, Clare Sands and more.
President Michael D. Higgins and Guests mark Culture Night
President Michael D. Higgins officially opens the National Ploughing Championships 2024
On 17 September, President Higgins formally opened the 92nd National Ploughing Championships, taking place in Ratheniska, Co. Laois.
Since his Inauguration in 2011, the President has attended the Ploughing Championships each year and he has described the festival as “an outstanding example of the Irish genius” and “the most beloved rendez-vous in Ireland’s rural calendar.”
Speaking at the event, the President said:
“I would like to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of agriculture to Irish society and, in particular, to rural Ireland.
It is as people rooted like rocks in the soil, earthed, courageous, generous, compassionate and inclusive, displaying solidarity, not only with our fellow countrymen, our nearest neighbours, but with all people, wherever they may be, that we can overcome any difficulty and surmount any obstacle together.
Our farming communities, our farming families, have demonstrated the truth of this time and again throughout our history, and I know they will continue to do so in the future with the support of all the citizens of Ireland to build an inclusive, flourishing, compassionate and generous Republic that is willing, indeed anxious, to fulfil with others a world of sufficiency and peace rather than one of unabated greed and war.”
President Michael D. Higgins Image courtesy of Jeff Harvey Photography
President Michael D. Higgins addresses United Nations Summit of the Future in New York
On 22 September, President Higgins addressed the UN Summit of the Future at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Invited to address the UN Summit of the Future by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who convened the Summit during the High-Level Week of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, President Higgins spoke of a form of the United Nations which can represent the people of the world in the interacting crises which we face and be responsive.
The Summit sought to reaffirm the international commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the United Nations Charter while enhancing cooperation and laying the foundations for a reinvigorated multilateral system.
For all those attending the UN Summit, the level of achievement of the SDGs is a matter of concern. Nine years after the agreement of the SDGs in 2015, the latest report on implementation has found that just 17% of the goals are on track with over a third ‘stalled or regressing’. Against this background, malnourishment and food insecurity continues to grow, with many countries’ ability to tackle the challenges they face severely impacted by the issue of debt.
In his address, President Higgins built on a number of his recent speeches on the subject of food security for Africa, including that which he delivered when receiving the Agricola Medal of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation in Dublin in June, and called for a renewed commitment to the delivery of the SDGs and to the agreements which have been made on climate change.
The President outlined how a new, inclusive globalisation from below can enhance democracy, improve participation and give the leadership which is needed to achieve a new invigorated United Nations.
President Michael D. Higgins
President Michael D. Higgins hosts bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados
On 22 September, President Higgins held a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, at the United Nations in New York.
President Michael D. Higgins hosts bilateral meeting with President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa
On 22 September, President Higgins held a bilateral meeting with the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
President Michael D. Higgins meets with Professor Glenn Denning
On 23 September, President Higgins met with Professor Glenn Denning, international food security expert and author of ‘Universal Food Security: How to End Hunger While Protecting the Planet’, in New York.
President Higgins previously met with Professor Denning at Áras an Uachtaráin in May 2023.
President Michael D. Higgins receives the Eugene O’Neill International Public Service Award
On 23 September, President Higgins received the Eugene O’Neill International Public Service Award from the New York-based Irish American Writers and Artists Association (IAWA).
The President delivered acceptance remarks in a public event held at the Irish Arts Centre on the evening of Monday 23 September.
In 2019, President Higgins visited the construction of the Irish Arts Centre’s new facility in New York’s Hell’s Kitchen district.
President Michael D. Higgins and Professor Glenn Denning
President Michael D. Higgins and Prime Minister Mia Mottley
President Michael D. Higgins and President Cyril Ramaphosa
President Michael D. Higgins
President Michael D. Higgins attends the United Nations General Assembly
On 24 September, President Higgins attended the Opening Session of the UN General Assembly at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The President was accompanied at the General Assembly by An Taoiseach, Simon Harris, T.D. and Tánaiste Mícheál Martin, T.D.
The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policy-making organ of the Organization. Comprising all Member States, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations. Each of the 193 Member States of the United Nations has an equal vote.
President Higgins had conversations at the General Assembly with a number of Heads of State, senior politicians and heads of UN agencies including, amongst others, President of the United States Joe Biden, President of Brazil Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Chile Gabriel Boric, President of Uganda Yoweri Museveni, President of Malawi Lazarus Chakwera, Foreign Minister of Mexico Alicia Bárcena,
King Abdullah II of Jordan, King Letsie III of Lesotho, President of the UN General Assembly Philémon Yang, President of the World Bank Ajay Banga, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development Alvaro Lario, Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization QU Dongyu, and Commissioner-General of UNRWA Philippe Lazzarini.
President Michael D. Higgins
President Michael D. Higgins and President of the United State, Joe Biden
President Michael D. Higgins hosts bilateral meeting with President of Malawi Lazarus Chakwera
On 24 September, President Higgins held a bilateral meeting with the President of Malawi, Lazarus Chakwera, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins welcome H.E. Tô Lâm, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on the occasion of his State Visit to Ireland
On 2 October, H.E. the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Tô Lâm, undertook a State Visit to Ireland at the invitation of President Michael D. Higgins. The State Visit began with a ceremonial welcome at Áras an Uachtaráin, followed by a bilateral meeting between the two Heads of State.
In the evening, President and Sabina Higgins hosted a State Dinner in honour of President Tô Lâm.
In November 2016 President Higgins undertook a State Visit to Vietnam at the invitation of then President Tran Dai Quang.
President Michael D. Higgins receives Mr. Bernard Phelan, on a Courtesy Call
On 5 October, President Higgins welcomed Mr. Bernard Phelan, his father Vincent Phelan and his husband Roland Bonello to Áras an Uachtaráin on a courtesy call.
Mr Phelan was held prisoner in Iran for 222 days between October 2022 and May 2023 and has written about his experience in his book ‘You Will Die in Prison’.
Bernard’s father, Vincent, exchanged correspondence with President Higgins over the course of Bernard’s false incarceration. Vincent Phelan sadly passed away shortly after the meeting with President Higgins.
Roland Bonello, Bernard Phelan, President Michael D. Higgins and Vincent Phelan
President Michael D. Higgins and President Lazarus Chakwera
President Tô Lâm, President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins
President Michael D. Higgins hosts a reception to Honour the Memory of those who died in the Stardust Tragedy
On 16 October, President Higgins hosted a reception at Áras an Uachtaráin to honour the memory of those who died in the Stardust Tragedy.
The reception, attended by families of the 48 young people who lost their lives, followed the Ceremony of Commemoration in the Garden of Remembrance on 23 June where President Higgins laid a wreath on behalf of the people of Ireland.
Speaking at the reception, the President said:
“I am conscious that today, like that day and so many others, will be a day of the deepest emotions for the loved ones of those who died. I think in particular of those whose passing means this conclusion comes regrettably too late for them, particularly all the parents of those who were lost who bore great pain and sorrow living the remainder of their lives without justice having been seen or demonstrated for their children.
Mar Uachtarán na hÉireann, may I take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you present today. You have ensured that your loved ones and the suffering sourced in the Stardust tragedy itself will be remembered by generations to come. You have ensured that their names will never be forgotten, their young faces etched on our national shared memory.
As President of Ireland, may I congratulate you for your steadfastness in pursuit of justice in honouring the memory of those for whom you cared so deeply.”
President Michael D. Higgins and Brigid McDermott
President Michael D. Higgins receives Ms. Eluned Morgan, First Minister of Wales, on a Courtesy Call
On 17 October, President Higgins received Ms. Eluned Morgan, First Minister of Wales, to Áras an Uachtaráin on a courtesy call.
Eluned Morgan has served as First Minister of Wales and Leader of Welsh Labour since 2024.
President Michael D. Higgins receives H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq, on a Courtesy Call
On 17 September, President Higgins received H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq, to Áras an Uachtaráin on a courtesy call.
Mr. Hussein is an Iraqi Kurdish politician from the Kurdistan Democratic Party.
President Michael D. Higgins attends Paul Durcan: 80 at 80
On 21 October, President Higgins attended Paul Durcan: 80 at 80, an evening of Paul Durcan’s poetry at the Gate Theatre celebrating the poet’s 80th birthday.
At the event the President recited Paul Durcan’s poem ‘The Haulier’s Wife Meets Jesus on the Road near Moone’
President Michael D. Higgins and First Minister Eluned Morgan
President Michael D. Higgins and H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein
President Michael D. Higgins Image courtesy of Poetry Ireland
Ms. Elaine Cassidy, Director General, Sabina Higgins, President Michael D. Higgins and Mr. Ger Deering, Ombudsman & Information Commissioner
President Michael D. Higgins hosts a reception marking the 40th Anniversary of the Office of the Ombudsman
On 23 October, President Higgins hosted a reception marking the 40th Anniversary of the Office of the Ombudsman at Áras an Uachtaráin.
The Office of the Ombudsman investigates complaints from members of the public who believe they have been unfairly treated by certain public service providers.
In his speech the President noted that in any thriving democracy, accountability is a fundamental cornerstone. By examining complaints from citizens who feel they have been unfairly treated by a public service provider in Ireland, the Office of the Ombudsman is a vital independent apparatus ensuring that government departments, local authorities, the HSE, nursing homes and publicly funded third-level education bodies strive to achieve a quality public service for all, one that is transparent as regards information it provides, as well as timely as regards its decision-making process.
Michael D. Higgins, John Behan and Sabina Higgins
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins attend the John Behan solo exhibition
On 24 September, the President and Sabina Higgins visited Solomon Fine Art who were hosting an exhibition of new works in bronze by Irish sculptor John Behan.
During his visit to Rome and the Holy See in October 2023, President Higgins presented Pope Francis with a sculpture entitled ‘The Expelled’ by John Behan. 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
President Michael D. Higgins receives Mr. Kazumi Matsui, Mayor of Hiroshima, on a Courtesy Call
On 25 October, President Higgins received Mr. Kazumi Matsui, Mayor of Hiroshima, to Áras an Uachtaráin on a courtesy call.
Mr. Matsui became Mayor of Hiroshima in April 2011. He was re-elected as Mayor in 2015, 2019 and 2023.
Mayor Matsui is the current President of Mayors for Peace, an international organisation of cities dedicated to the promotion of peace that was established in 1982.
This was the first visit by a Mayor of Hiroshima to Ireland. President Higgins and Mayor Matsui discussed Ireland and the Mayors for Peace’s collective goal of achieving a world free from nuclear weapons.
President Michael D. Higgins attends the Centenary of Tolka Park
On 26 October, President Higgins attended a centenary game celebrating 100 years of Tolka Park between a Shelbourne XI against a Drumcondra XI.
The Tolka Park Centenary Match honoured the shared history of Shelbourne and Drumcondra who have called Tolka Park home over the last 100 years.
President Michael D. Higgins receives Mr. Antonio Costa, President-elect of the European Council
On 29 October, President Higgins received Mr. Antonio Costa, President-elect of the European Council, on a courtesy call at Áras an Uachtaráin. President-designate Costa assumed office as President of the European Council (PEC) on 1 December 2024. Mr Costa previously served as Prime Minister of Portugal from 2015-2024.
President Michael D. Higgins and Mr. Antonio Costa
Mr. Kazumi Matsui, Mayor of Hiroshima
President Michael D. Higgins at the Tolka Park centenary game
President Michael D. Higgins hosts a Pardon Ceremony
On 30 October, President Higgins signed two Presidential Pardons at an event in Áras an Uachtaráin for Mr. Sylvester Poff and Mr. James Barrett, who were executed in Tralee Gaol on 23 January 1883.
In line with articles 13.6 and 13.9 of the Constitution, the pardons were granted following a recommendation by Government. This recommendation took account of a report by Dr Niamh Howlin, Associate Professor at the UCD Sutherland School of Law, which found that the trials and conviction of Poff and Barrett included legal and procedural deficiencies which were ‘so inconsistent with the legal standards of the period and so objectively unsatisfactory and unfair, that they render the conviction unsafe’.
The ceremony was attended by the Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, T.D. Also in attendance were relatives of Sylvester Poff (aged 38 at the times of his execution) and James Barrett (aged 24), including Mr. Poff’s great grandson Tomo Burke, as well as representatives of the Castleisland District Heritage Group, a group based in Kerry who have raised awareness of the case and worked with the Department of Justice on the pardon process.
President Higgins said:
“The case of Sylvester Poff and James Barrett has been one of long standing concern for the people of Kerry. As Dr Niamh Howlin’s report has found, there was a strong local belief in the innocence of Poff and Barrett, both before and after their execution. The newspaper United Ireland reported that ‘From one end of the county to the other the strongest belief prevails that they were guiltless.’ This was also evident in the memorials submitted to the Lord Lieutenant from bodies including the Tralee Town
Commissioners, the Tralee Poor Law Guardians, the Killarney Town Commissioners and the Listowel Town Commissioners before the executions seeking to have their sentences commuted.
While we at this remove cannot undo what happened, we do have the power to acknowledge that what happened to Sylvester Poff and James Barrett was a great wrong. I am pleased to be able to formally grant a Presidential Pardon to each of the men today, and to at least set the record straight. I hope that my doing so will bring a sense of closure to their families following almost 142 years.
I commend the families of both men and the members of the Castleisland District Heritage Group for their efforts to bring their case to public attention and their help in bringing the process of obtaining a pardon to fruition.”
The Presidential Pardons for Mr Poff and Mr Barrett were only the seventh and eighth such pardons to have been granted and the fourth and fifth posthumous pardons. The previous posthumous pardons were awarded by President Higgins to Harry Gleeson in 2015, to Maolra Seoighe (Myles Joyce) in 2018 and to John Twiss in 2021.
The President’s signed Presidential Pardon of Mr. Sylvester Poff
President Michael D. Higgins delivers the 2024 Kofi Annan Lecture
On 7 November, President Higgins delivered the 2024 Kofi Annan Eminent Speakers’ Lecture in a live online event from the State Reception Room in Áras an Uachtaráin.
President Higgins was invited to deliver this year’s lecture by the President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina. The lecture series was launched in 2006 and in 2018 was renamed in honour of the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan.
The lecture has been previously delivered by seven Nobel laureates, including winners of the Nobel Peace Prize, the Nobel Prize in Literature and the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, as well as by a number of Heads of State, Heads of Government, academics and heads of global institutions.
President Higgins’ lecture was titled “Achieving Food Security through Globalisation ‘from Below’: Issues for Structural Transformation, Inclusive Economy and Sustainable Development in Africa.”
In his lecture, the President highlighted the vital importance of moving past previous reactive emergency humanitarian responses to famine, food insecurity and global poverty, and undertaking the bigger and repeating challenge of tackling the underlying structural causes of hunger
In proposing a globalisation ‘from below’, the President suggested that food security can be best seen as an essential part of universal basic services and, in that way, can make a key contribution to the delivery of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2030.
President Higgins called on the international community to recognise that there is an urgent, severe debt service crisis facing many countries, and to make tackling that crisis a priority.
The President said:
“Debt is crippling so many African countries who are now facing the worst debt crisis in history. In so many countries, spending on health and education is being cut, while nearly half of budgets are being used to pay creditors.”
“What an appalling statistic it is that debt service exceeds social spending by two-thirds in Africa and low-income countries. As a result of the debt crisis, children are starving, AIDS victims are dying, the planet is burning, extreme poverty is rising, human rights are being abused, and thousands of species are disappearing.”
The President supported the calls which have been made by organisations such as Debt Relief International to reduce debt service payments to less than 15% of budget revenues. Such a move could make approximately $100 billion annually available to fund social and environmental policies and measures in SubSaharan Africa.
The President also drew particular attention to what he described as ‘the forgotten war in Sudan’, which he said risks triggering the world’s largest hunger crisis. The President said that an immediate ceasefire is needed to prevent a completely collapse in Sudan and further regional destabilisation as millions flee into neighbouring countries. The President further highlighted the exceptional food crises created by the ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon and the surrounding region.
The President has written extensively on the topic of food security, including reflecting on the repeated crises which have arisen since he first travelled to Somalia and saw first-hand the devastation of the famine in that country in 1992.
President Michael D. Higgins delivers the 2024 Kofi Annan Lecture
President Michael D. Higgins signs warrant for the dissolution of the 33rd Dáil
An Taoiseach, Simon Harris TD, visited Áras an Uachtaráin on 8 November 2024, requesting in accordance with Article 13 of the Constitution, that President Michael D. Higgins dissolve the 33rd Dáil and summon the new Dáil.
President Higgins signed the Proclamation for dissolution shortly after 2 p.m.
President Michael D. Higgins attends the National Service of Remembrance
On 10 November, the President and Sabina Higgins attended the National Service of Remembrance in St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, in honour of those who have died in war.
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 and Sabina Higgins ring the Peace Bell as part of Bells for Peace Ireland
On 11 November, the President and Sabina Higgins rang the Peace Bell at Áras an Uachtaráin as part of the Bells for Peace initiative calling for world peace and an end to war. Church bells across Ireland were rung for 11 minutes from 11.03am as part of the initiative to coincide with the anniversary of the end of the first World War on 11 November 1918.
The Peace Bell at Áras an Uachtaráin was erected in 2008 to mark the 10th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement and has been rung by a wide range of distinguished visitors in the years since.
President Michael D. Higgins and An Taoiseach, Simon Harris
President Michael D. Higgins at St. Patrick’s Cathedral Image courtesy of Patrick Hugh Lynch
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins
President Michael D. Higgins receives the Collier de l’Hermine from Mr. Loïg ChesnaisGirard, President of the Regional Council of Brittany
On 13 November, President Higgins was presented with the Collier de l'Hermine necklace by the President of the Brittany Region, Loïg Chesnais-Girard, at a ceremony in Áras an Uachtaráin.
The Collier de l’Hermine is awarded to people who have contributed to the awareness of Celtic languages and cultures, including Breton.
President Higgins was chosen for the award in recognition of his commitment to promoting the Irish language and culture, including through the establishment of TG4, and of his commitment to promoting Breton culture and linguistic diversity on his visits to Brittany.
The Order of the Ermine is a civil honorary order established in 1972, managed by the Cultural Institute of Brittany.
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins host a reception for Team Ireland Paris 2024 Paralympics
On 14 November, the President and Sabina Higgins welcomed the Irish Paralympic Team to Áras an Uachtaráin.
The President invited the team that represented Ireland with such distinction at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games to the Áras in order to officially acknowledge the achievements of the Team in Paris over the summer.
Those in attendance included, among others, Orla Comerford, who won a bronze medal in the Women’s 100m sprint, Katie-George Dunlevy who won gold in the Women’s individual time trial and silver medals in the Women’s road race and Women’s individual pursuit and her Pilot Linda Kelly, and Róisín Ní Riain, who won bronze in the 100m breaststroke.
Also present was swimmer Ellen Keane, who came fourth in the 100m breaststroke. Ellen previously won a gold medal in the Tokyo 2020 games and a bronze in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.
In total, over 70 members of the team and support staff that travelled to Paris for the Games were in attendance at the event as part of the delegation led by Paralympics Ireland president, Eimear Breathnach.
Team Ireland competed between August 28th and September 8th throughout the Paris games with Irish athletes featuring in 55 events in total, delivering six personal bests, five national records, one European record and six medals including one gold, three silver and two bronze medals.
Speaking at the reception for Team Ireland President Higgins said:
“The six medals our Paralympic athletes won at this year’s Paralympic Games are such significant achievements for which we can all be proud. Each of the record-setting medallists has brought enormous joy to all those watching
President Michael D. Higgins and Mr. Loïg Chesnais-Girard
across our island and beyond and has been a source of pride and encouragement. Indeed all those who achieved so much by qualifying and competing to such a high standard have made Irish people everywhere so immensely proud.
The Olympics and Paralympics represent the culmination of four years, indeed a lifetime, of hard work and dedicated training by our athletes, and I extend my admiration and deep appreciation to all those who have competed and given their all across so many sporting disciplines. In every aspect there has been real achievement.
The Paralympic games demonstrate how, with imagination and the necessary resources, real inclusion can be fostered across society through concerted efforts to promote an inclusive participation from all citizens regardless of circumstance. Watching the games, it was impossible not to be inspired by the spectacle of athletes focusing on what was possible, with great courage and unwavering determination.”
President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins and Team Ireland Paris 2024 Paralympics
President Michael D. Higgins appoints Mr. Liam Herrick as Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission
On 19 November, at a ceremony in Áras an Uachtaráin, President Higgins appointed Mr. Liam Herrick as Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.
The Commission is an independent public body that accounts directly to the Oireachtas and works to promote and protect human rights and equality in Ireland, and to build a culture of respect for human rights, equality and intercultural understanding.
President Michael D. Higgins presents the Gaisce Gold Awards 2024
On 21 November, President Higgins presented the Gaisce Gold Awards to young people who have completed their personal development challenges.
Gaisce is the President’s Awards scheme which aims to foster young people’s potential by encouraging them to set goals in a number of areas and then achieve them.
At the Awards ceremony, the President honoured young people who spent time working with voluntary organisations and participating in youth groups and clubs.
President Michael D. Higgins and Gaisce Gold Award Recipients
President Michael D. Higgins and Mr. Liam Herrick
President Michael D. Higgins and Luke Hanley (St. Joseph's Foundation)
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins host the planting of ‘The One Hundred Million Trees Project’ at Áras an Uachtaráin
On 22 November, the President and Sabina Higgins hosted the planting of a 2,000 tree native-variety mini forest in the grounds of Áras an Uachtaráin.
The trees, planted in conjunction with the Office of Public Works, are part of the One Hundred Million Trees Project, a community-driven volunteer project that has as its aim to plant 100 million native variety trees throughout Ireland over the next decade, aimed at fostering environmental sustainability, creating greater biodiversity and combating climate change.
Since it commenced in 2022, the 100 Million Trees Project has led to 220,000 trees being planted across the country. This year, the project is planning to plant 550,000 trees across 230 sites in 28 counties between November and May.
President Michael D. Higgins receives Honorary Life Membership to UCD Law Society
On 27 November, President Higgins received members of the UCD Law Society to Áras an Uachtaráin on a courtesy call who presented the President with an Honorary Life Membership.
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins cast their Vote in the General Election
On 29 November, the President and Sabina Higgins cast their vote at St. Mary's Hospital in the Phoenix Park as voters went to the polls in the 2024 General Election.
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins with members of the One Hundred Million Trees Project
Eleanor Godden, President Michael D. Higgins and Anna Reynolds
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins
President Michael D. Higgins attends the Galway City of Film/Ceantar Scannán 10 Year Anniversary
On 29 November, the President and Sabina Higgins attended a special event in honour of film-maker Bob Quinn as part of the Galway UNESCO City of Film/Ceantar Scannán 10 Year Anniversary celebrations.
The President spoke about Bob Quinn’s work and legacy as part of an event which also included a special screening of Bob Quinn’s film ‘Poitín’.
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins host the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
On 7 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 countless people and organisations that work on initiatives to promote social change, inclusion and practical solidarity to visit the house and surrounding gardens.
Lelia Doolan, Alan Duggan, Declan Gibbons, Bob Quinn, President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins, Miriam Allen, Kate O’Toole, Toner Quinn, Celine Curtin
Image courtesy of Emilija Jefremova
Áras an Uachtaráin
President Michael D. Higgins receives representatives of WAVE Trauma Centre on a Courtesy Call
On 9 December, President Higgins received representatives of the WAVE Trauma Centre to Áras an Uachtaráin on a courtesy call.
WAVE Trauma provide care and support for people affected by the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins attend a screening of Joan Baez: I Am a Noise
On 10 December, the President and Sabina Higgins attended a screening of Joan Baez: I Am a Noise at the Light House Cinema in Dublin.
President Michael D. Higgins receives H.E. Mr. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of Egypt, on a Courtesy Call
On 11 December, President Higgins received Mr. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of Egypt, to Áras an Uachtaráin on a courtesy call.
During their meeting President Higgins and President El-Sisi, discussed Irish-Egyptian bilateral relations and international cooperation.
This is the first visit of President El-Sisi to Ireland. The last visit of an Egyptian President was by Hosni Mubarak in 2006.
President Michael. D. Higgins, Dr. Sandra Peake, Dennis Godfrey, Ann Morgan and Alan McBride
Sabina Higgins, President Michael D. Higgins and Joan Baez Image courtesy of Art For Human Rights
President Michael D. Higgins and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina host an Afternoon Tea Reception
On 12 December, the President and Sabina Higgins hosted an afternoon tea reception at Áras an Uachtaráin for members of communities across Ireland.
Representatives of Galway United FC Women’s Team visit Áras an Uachtaráin
On 13 December, the President and Sabina Higgins welcomed members of the Galway United Women’s football team to Áras an Uachtaráin. The team are back to back winners in 2023 and 2024 of the All-Island Cup.
President Michael D. Higgins visits the National Museum of Ireland to view the Harry Clarke Exhibition
On 13 December, the President and Sabina Higgins visited a special exhibition of early works of stain glass painted by Harry Clarke at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks.
President Michael D. Higgins
President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins and Galway United FC Women’s Team
President Michael D. Higgins visits the exhibition Image Courtesy of Paul Sherwood Photography
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins host a Christmas Reception
The President and Sabina Higgins hosted a Christmas Reception for families from around the country at Áras an Uachtaráin on Saturday, 14 December 2024.
President Michael D. Higgins meets Transplant Sport Ireland Team
On 16 December, President Higgins met members of the Transplant Sport Ireland Team in Áras an Uachtaráin.
Simon Harris, T.D. proffers his resignation as Taoiseach to President Michael D. Higgins
On 18 December, The Taoiseach visited the President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin and proffered his resignation in accordance with Article 28.9.1° of the Constitution.
President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins, Santa and Elves
President Michael D. Higgins and Transplant Sport Ireland Team
President Michael D. Higgins and Taoiseach Simon Harris, T.D.
Christmas Message from President Michael D. Higgins
Mar Uachtarán na hÉireann, cuirim fáilte chroíúil romhaibh agus guím Nollaig shíochánta shona oraibh go léir.
As President of Ireland, may I offer to each and every one of you my warmest greetings and my best wishes for a peaceful and happy Christmas.
On this occasion, as I offer you all what will be the final Christmas message of my terms as Uachtarán na hÉireann, I recall the values that I stressed in my first Christmas Message in 2011.
The ethical values I invoked as project for all of us –building a just and inclusive society that ensures the participation of all of our citizens – are surely as valid today as they were then, retaining a capacity to go to the hearts of Irish people wherever scattered they may be as they celebrate this season.
At Christmas, many families will be welcoming the homecomings of many of our Irish community abroad. But there are those of course who for different reasons
are unable to travel home, but whose connection with family and friends remains so strong.
In the same spirit, I think of all those who have moved to live with us and make a new home in Ireland, our new citizens and those who have sought asylum here –those seeking refuge, those searching for a life free from fear and persecution, or who, like so many of our Irish over the generations, simply wish for a better life.
May they, this Christmas season, all feel both welcome and kindness while separated from their own families around the world. Their new home does not require any forgetting of their home cultures or families.
Let us have in our thoughts too those for whom Christmas is a difficult and emotional time of the year, those who are homeless, those who have experienced recent losses, those who are ill or who have loved ones who are having difficulties, and the many others in our society who may be in need of real and practical support.
May I pay a special tribute to those members of our Irish Defence Forces who will be overseas this Christmas and thus separated from their families. In
President Michael D. Higgins Christmas Message
particular those in Lebanon, whose contribution to peace-building and protecting some of the most vulnerable members of our shared global family is an example of Irishness and its values at its best. Their work and their families’ sacrifices that make it possible are moral examples for the entire international community, including the most powerful.
In 2024 we find ourselves in circumstances in which it is not sufficient nor morally acceptable that any passivity, evasion or silence is offered in the face of multiple, interlocking crises across our world – food insecurity, malnutrition and global hunger, the consequences of climate change and biodiversity loss, rising global poverty and deepening inequality, and the domination of preparations for war over peace in the daily discourse.
This Christmas, we are all too aware that far too many of our global family are having inflicted upon them as part of the most horrific circumstances of war, circumstances that less and less respect civilian rights and that force endless displacement.
At the end of this year we think of all those who will be recalling all of these horrific events of recent times –the brutal attacks on civilians, including the taking of hostages, for whom so many families continue to anxiously await word of their safety, and as I speak, so many deaths of the most vulnerable remind us of what was released by way of a response, a response that has transcended all of the boundaries of humanitarian law.
The silence of many of those with influence in the face of gross violations of the human rights of civilians is conferring an impunity on those who are flagrantly inflicting collective punishment on civilians, including starvation which, as I speak, is affecting most of all women and children.
For all of the people in Gaza, now a crucible of suffering for children and their families – 45,000 dead, 17,000 of them children, 11,000 perhaps under the rubble. For those in Ukraine, who have now endured over 1,000 days of war. Or Sudan, where some 25 million people — more than half of the country’s population — are facing acute hunger this year.
Given all of these circumstances, the painful lessons of history and our hopes for the future must surely persuade us to strive, with urgency, for a world where diplomacy triumphs over endless preparation for war, where the pursuit of peace is a shared objective with far greater resonance than is present at the moment in the discourse.
When we might speak of peace in a diverse world, where the safety and dignity of every human being is valued. This is now our best hope and preparation for responsible and sustainable lives together on what is our vulnerable shared planet.
When I addressed the United Nations Summit on the Future of the United Nations in New York in September, I spoke of authenticity, of how our urgent interacting crises require us to recover a lost authenticity between words and actions, to draw on what were our better, promising moments of achieving trust, such as in 2015 when we agreed collectively the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, a shared blueprint for peace and human development in recognising and responding to the consequences of climate change and the promise of sustainable living.
We are challenged however by the fact that our delivery on these Goals has been so much less than what was committed. Today just 17 percent of the Sustainable Development Goals are currently on track. Half of the 17 goals are showing “minimal or moderate progress”, while over a third are either “stalled or regressing”.
How is it, we must ask ourselves as international leaders, that the world produces enough food to feed all of its nearly 8 billion people, yet dangerous levels of acute hunger affected a staggering 282 million people across the world last year?
Ireland supports President of Brazil Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s initiative, the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty.
We are also, and it is a matter of concern, living through a pervasive and deepening inequality that scars our
world. Never have so many had so little and so few accumulated so much without responsibility.
I reiterate my strong and urgent appeal for us all to support the United Nations so that we may all fulfil our commitments to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The failure to achieve peace, to eliminate acute global poverty, hunger, and the consequences of climate change and biodiversity loss have been accompanied by a return to an arms race, to a world that has rewarded investors in instruments of death rather than promoting sustainability.
What a shameful statistic it is that in 2023 global military expenditure increased by 6.8 percent to $2,443 billion, increasing in all regions, the highest ever recorded. All of this while so many human values cry out for recognition.
When wars and conflicts become accepted and presented as seemingly unending, such as at present, humanity is the loser. War is not the natural condition of humanity and, if it were, it would constitute little less than a species failure for human life.
Now is the time for all of us, for all peoples to speak and urge countries of the world who wish to see a world of peace, a sustainable and more equal world built on the Sustainable Development Goals, to come together, speak out and force the measures that will make these vital goals a global achievement.
As we celebrate this Christmas season, wherever we may be and in whatever circumstances, may it be a time for kindness, understanding, a time of care and appreciation for one another.
Let us all be grateful, in a special way, to all those who work in our hospitals and emergency services, to those attending to the needs of the homeless, the vulnerable and the marginalised, and to all those who so generously give up so much of their Christmas to serve the needs of others.
May I also take this opportunity to thank so many of you who sent many messages of good wishes for the health of Sabina and I earlier this year – your warmth and encouragement was deeply appreciated by us both.
And as we come to the end of 2024, there are many recollections we could share, but one that remains as a shining memory is surely that of our Olympians and Paralympians who represented Ireland with such distinction in Paris last summer.
In my first Christmas Message, in 2011, I said “we are a country of which there is much to be proud; whose possibilities are still to be fully imagined and realised; and whose people I am honoured to serve”.
As I enter this 14th and final year as President of Ireland, it remains the greatest honour and privilege to serve you, the people of Ireland. I look forward immensely to continuing to do so over the coming year.
During my terms in Office, both Sabina and I have experienced and valued the warmth and friendship of people both at home and abroad. We have witnessed the resilience, compassion, creativity, empathy and kindness of Irish people in so many different ways. It is something we so deeply appreciate and we will always cherish.
And so, as we pass the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, let us look to the future with hope, recalling our shared vulnerabilities this Christmas, resolving to forge together a renewed sense of solidarity, drawing inspiration from the enduring message of hope that lies at its heart.
During this Christmas season, may we find an opportunity to deepen our understanding and accept the responsibility of what it means to live together in harmony and to take seriously our responsibilities to each other and to the world we share.
Sabina joins me in wishing all the people of Ireland a joyful Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
Nollaig shona daoibh is beirigí gach beannacht don athbhliain is don todhchaí.
President attends Christmas Day Mass
On 25 December, the President and Sabina Higgins attended Christmas Day Mass at St. Mary’s Pro Cathedral in Dublin.
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins
President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins and Archbishop Dermot Farrell
GARDEN PARTIES 2024
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 tradition of hosting Garden Parties in Áras an Uachtaráin was commenced by the first President of Ireland, Douglas Hyde. Each year, thousands of members of the public and representatives of organisations across the country are welcomed to the Áras at a series of Garden Parties.
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.
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins host a Bloomsday Garden Party
On Sunday, 16 June the President and Sabina Higgins hosted a Bloomsday Garden Party at Áras an Uachtaráin.
Bloomsday, 16 June 1904, is the date immortalised in James Joyce’s 1922 novel Ulysses and named after the book’s protagonist Leopold Bloom.
Each year, the President and Sabina commence their series of summer Garden Parties with a special event to celebrate the work of James Joyce.
The importance of libraries and promoting reading was a key theme of this year’s event, with attendees including, amongst others, library staff from across the country. There was also a South Dublin County Council mobile library in the grounds of Áras an Uachtaráin as part of the event.
The event was MC’d by Seán Rocks and included addresses by President Higgins and historian and trade unionist Dr John Callow, along with a number of musical performances, including Andrew Basquille accompanied by Eugene Murphy, FARÓ, Simon Morgan accompanied by Vincent Lynch, and The Honeydews.
President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins and Guests
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins host a Garden Party Celebrating Communities in all their Diversities
On Wednesday, 19 June the President and Sabina Higgins hosted a Garden Party celebrating communities in all their diversities.
In his speech the President acknowledged members of communities, community groups and activists who are building inclusive communities across Ireland.
Guests enjoying the communities in all their diversities Garden Party
Havana Club Trio, President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins host a Family Day Garden Party
On Saturday, 22 June the President and Sabina Higgins hosted a Family Day garden party at Áras an Uachtaráin.
At the third Garden Party of 2024, President Higgins acknowledged various organisations across different sectors of society all of whom work tirelessly to improve the conditions for families in all their forms.
President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins and the Dublin Ukulele Collective
Guests enjoying the Garden Party
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins
host a Community Day Garden Party
On Tuesday, 25 June the President and Sabina Higgins hosted the fourth in a series of seven garden parties being held at Áras an Uachtaráin this summer.
In his speech the President highlighted the work of those who have enriched the lives of others and who provide support services and the hand of friendship to those within our society who are in special need of care or assistance.
Guests enjoying the Garden Party
Guests enjoying the Garden Party
President and Sabina host a Garden Party celebrating Sustaining and Conserving our Oceans, Seas and Marine Resources
On Thursday, 27 June the theme of the fifth garden party was 'Life Below Water' - Protecting our Oceans, in line with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14.
The President and Sabina Higgins welcomed members of our communities and activists who are dedicating themselves to fostering a sustainable future for the citizens of Ireland and beyond.
In his speech the President said: Today’s garden party is dedicated to a theme that resonates deeply with our commitment to a sustainable and thriving planet – UN Sustainable Development Goal 14, based on sustaining and conserving our oceans, seas and marine resources. Today, we also honour the RNLI, a remarkable institution who this year are celebrating their 200th anniversary.
The President later said: Mar Uachtarán na hÉireann, may I express my deepest gratitude to the RNLI for your dedication, your vital service to coastal communities across Ireland, saving countless lives at sea and demonstrating an unwavering commitment to safety and community.
In his speech, President Higgins reaffirmed our commitment to safeguarding, conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas and the vast and vital marine resources that our oceans provide.
President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins and Guests, including members of the RNLI
President and Sabina host a Garden Party Celebrating the Trade Union Movement
On 30 June, in the penultimate Garden Party of 2024, the President and Sabina Higgins hosted a garden party celebrating the trade union movement.
Through the theme of this garden party, President Higgins reflected, and celebrated, the trade union movement and all that has been achieved in the long and difficult struggle for workers’ rights in Ireland, and across the globe.
The garden party celebrated the work of current and past activists fighting for workers’ rights and standing in solidarity with colleagues, fellow citizens, and with people all over the world, in struggles against injustice, inequality and exclusion in the workplace.
President Michael D. Higgins
Guests enjoying the Garden Party
President and Sabina host a Concert Celebrating Irish Music Month 2024
On 3 July, the President and Sabina Higgins hosted a special Presidential Concert, celebrating Irish Music Month 2024.
In his speech President Higgins recognised the many different groups, organisations and individual citizens who have contributed so much to Irish music, whether as musicians, songwriters, singers, composers or the many who work in the wider music sector, including in Irish radio.
The concert was the final in a series of Garden Parties held at Áras an Uachtaráin, organised by the President and Sabina Higgins, to celebrate people and organisations who work on themes that the President wishes to highlight.
Gavin James performing in Áras an Uachtaráin at the Concert Celebrating Irish Music Month 2024
GAISCE - THE PRESIDENT’S AWARD
On 21 November, at a ceremony in Áras an Uachtaráin, President Higgins presented the Gaisce Gold Awards to young people who have completed their personal development challenges.
Gaisce is the President’s awards scheme which aims to foster young people’s potential by encouraging them to set goals in a number of areas and then achieve them.
At the awards ceremony the President honoured young people who spent time working with voluntary organisations and getting involved in youth groups and clubs.
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.
President Michael D. Higgins and Gaisce Gold Award Recipients
AMBASSADORS PRESENT THEIR LETTERS OF CREDENCE
When another country wishes to nominate 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.
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 she/he formally presents their Letter of Credence to the President. The formal exchanges of greetings between the new Ambassador and the President gives them 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 she/he inspects a military guard of honour. The new Ambassador then departs Áras an Uachtaráin with a military escort.
During 2024, 22 Ambassadors presented their Letters of Credence to the President.
Ambassadors appointed in 2024
23 January 2024
H.E. Mr. Pavel Vösalík, Ambassador of the Czech Republic
H.E. Ms. Lina (Anna-Carolina) Holström-van der Weyden, Ambassador of Sweden
H.E. Ms. Tabu Irina, Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya
20 February 2024
H.E. Mr. Maghzhan Ilyassov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan,
H.E. Mr. Aly Diallo, Ambassador of the Republic of Guinea
H.E. Mrs. Fatou Bom Bensouda, Ambassador of the Republic of the Gambia
14 May 2024
H.E. Ms. Melitta Schubert, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria
H.E. Mr. Cleviston Haynes, Ambassador of Barbados
4 June 2024
H.E. Mr. Jaime Cacho-Sousa, Ambassador of the Republic of Peru
H.E. Mr. Ng Teck Hean, Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore
10 September 2024
H.E. Mr. Jonas Grinevičus, Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania
H.E. Mr. Do Minh Hung, Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
30 September 2024
H.E. Ms. Jenny Piaget, Ambassador of Switzerland
H.E. Ms. Céline Place, Ambassador of France
22 October 2024
H.E. Mr. Christian David Gill, Ambassador of Federal Republic of Germany
H.E. Mr. Aslak Brun, Ambassador of Norway
12 November 2024
H.E. Ms. Betty Escorcia Baquero, Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia
H.E. Ms. Nicolette Schreiber, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa
26 November 2024
H.E. Mr. Hassan S. Aljomae, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
H.E. Mr. Flavio Helmold Macierira, Ambassador of the Republic of Brazil
17 December 2024
H.E. Ms. Nicola Faganello, Ambassador of Italy
H.E. Dr. Jilan S.S. Abdaljamid, Ambassador of the State of Palestine
President Michael D. Higgins and H.E. Mr. Jaime Cacho-Sousa, Ambassador of the Republic of Peru
President Michael D. Higgins and H.E. Ms. Betty Escorcia Baquero, Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia
FAREWELL COURTESY CALL
Upon their arrival in Ireland, and before they can carry out their duties, new Ambassadors must be officially welcomed 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 welcomes many 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 2024
10 January 2024
H.E. Mr. Thomas Nader, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria
24 June 2024
H.E. Mr. Cord Meier-Klodt, Ambassador of Germany
29 October 2024
H.E. Mr. He Xiangdong, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China
5 November 2024
H.E. Mrs. Magdalini Nicolaou, Ambassador of Greece
President Michael D. Higgins and H.E. Mrs. Magdalini Nicolaou, Ambassador of Greece
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 2024
27 May 2024
Her Honour Judge Catherine White, Circuit Court His Honour Judge Ronan Munro, Circuit Court
3 October 2024
The Hon. Ms. Justice Neasa Cahill, High Court
The Hon. Ms. Justice Niamh Hyland, Court of Appeal
The Hon. Ms. Justice Caroline Costello, Court of Appeal
27 November 2024
Judge Peter White, District Court Judge Aine Clancy, District Court
10 December 2024
The Hon. Ms. Justice Sara Phelan, High Court
The Hon. Mr. Justice Denis McDonald, Court of Appeal
The Hon. Mr. Justice Anthony Collins, Court of Appeal
Ms. Justice Neasa Cahill, President Michael D. Higgins, Ms. Justice Niamh Hyland, Ms. Justice Caroline Costello and Taoiseach, Simon Harris
LEGISLATION
During 2024, President Higgins signed forty-eight 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 does not 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.
Council of State regarding the constitutionality of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024 under Article 26 of the Constitution
On 15 July, the President convened a meeting of the Council of State under Article 26 of the Constitution at Áras an Uachtaráin for the purpose of his hearing from the Council regarding the constitutionality of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024.
This is the fourth time that President Higgins convened the Council to consider a piece of legislation during his time in office. He previously convened the Council in 2013 to consider the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013, in 2015 to consider the International Protection Bill 2015, and in 2023 to consider the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2022, which was subsequently referred to the Supreme Court.
Having given careful consideration to all constitutional and other aspects of the Bill, the views expressed by the members of the Council of State, and having considered all the options available to him, President Higgins subsequently signed the Bill on Wednesday 17 July.
The following are the Bills signed by the President in 2024:
• Family Courts Act 2024 (Act No. 48 of 2024) (Signed on 13 November, 2024)
• Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Act 2024 (Act No. 47 of 2024) (Signed on 13 November, 2024)
• Houses of the Oireachtas Commission (Amendment) Act 2024 (Act No. 46 of 2024) (Signed on 13 November, 2024)
• Appropriation Act 2024 (Act No. 45 of 2024) (Signed on 13 November, 2024)
Members of the Council of State (LtoR front row)
Ms. Sinéad Burke, The Hon. Mr. Justice Ronan Keane, Professor Mary McAleese, An Taoiseach Simon Harris, T.D., President Michael D. Higgins, The Hon. Mr. Justice Donal O’Donnell, Professor Mary Robinson, Attorney General Mr. Rossa Fanning, S.C., Mr. Bertie Ahern
Members of the Council of State (LtoR back row)
The Hon. Mr. Justice David Barniville, Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, Senator Jerry Buttimer, Mr. Seán Ó Cuirreáin, Mr. Leo Varadkar, The Hon. Mr. Justice Frank Clarke, The Hon. Mrs. Justice Susan Denham, Professor Mary Murphy, Dr. Cara Augustenborg, Dr. Sindy Joyce, Dr. Johnston McMaster, Mr. Maurice Malone, The Hon. Mr. Justice George Birmingham, Mr. Enda Kenny
Apologies:
An Tánaiste Micheál Martin
Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Mr. Brian Cowen
• Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 (Act No. 1 of 2024) (Signed on 7 February, 2024)
• Digital Services Act 2024 (Act No. 2 of 2024) (Signed on 11 February, 2024)
• Finance (State Guarantees, International Financial Institution Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2024 (Act No. 3 of 2024) (Signed on 14 February, 2024)
• Coroner's (Amendment) Act 2024 (Act No. 4 of 2024) (Signed on 16 February, 2024)
• Human Tissue (Transplantation, Post-Mortem, Anatomical Examination and Public Display) Act 2024 (Act No. 5 of 2024) (Signed on 28 February, 2024)
• Social Welfare and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2024 (Act No. 6 of 2024) (Signed on 5 March, 2024)
• Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2024 (Act No. 7 of 2024) (Signed on 6 March, 2024)
• Criminal Justice (Engagement of Children in Criminal Activity) Act 2024 (Act No. 8 of 2024) (Signed on 11 March, 2024)
• European Arrest Warrant (Amendment) Act 2024 (Act No. 9 of 2024) (Signed on 12 March, 2024)
• Road Traffic Act 2024 (Act No. 10 of 2024) (Signed on 17 April, 2024)
• Gas (Amendment) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2024 (Act No. 11 of 2024) (Signed on 1 May, 2024)
• Court Proceedings (Delays) Act 2024 (Act No. 12 of 2024) (Signed on 1 May, 2024)
• Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services) (Safe Access Zones) Act 2024 (Act No. 13 of 2024) (Signed on 7 May, 2024)
• Employment (Collective Redundancies and Miscellaneous Provisions) and Companies (Amendment) Act 2024 (Act No. 14 of 2024) Signed on 9 May, 2024)
• Research and Innovation Act 2024 (Act No. 15 of 2024) (Signed on 4 June, 2024)
• Future Ireland Fund and Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund Act 2024 (Act No. 16 of 2024) (Signed on 18 June, 2024)
• Employment Permits Act 2024 (Act No. 17 of 2024) (Signed on 25 June, 2024)
• Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024 (Act No. 18 of 2024) (Signed on 2 July, 2024)
• Child Care (Amendment) Act 2024 (Act No. 19 of 2024) (Signed on 8 July, 2024)
• Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System Act 2024 (Act No. 20 of 2024) (Signed on 9 July, 2024)
• Charities (Amendment) Act 2024 (Act No. 21 of 2024) (Signed on 10 July, 2024)
• Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2024 (Act No. 22 of 2024) (Signed on 12 July, 2024)
• Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2024 (Act No. 23 of 2024) (Signed on 15 July, 2024)
• Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2024 (Act No. 24 of 2024) (Signed on 15 July, 2024)
• Defence (Amendment) Act 2024 (Act No. 25 of 2024) (Signed on 17 July, 2024)
• Digital Services (Levy) Act 2024 (Act No. 26 of 2024) (Signed on 17 July, 2024)
• Civil Registration (Electronic Registration) Act 2024 (Act No. 27 of 2024) (Signed on 17 July, 2024)
• Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Act 2024 (Act No. 28 of 2024) (Signed on 17 July, 2024)
• Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) (No. 2) Act 2024 (Act No. 29 of 2024) (Signed on 17 July, 2024)
• Courts, Civil Law, Criminal Law and Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2024 (Act No. 30 of 2024) (Signed on 23 July, 2024)
• Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2024 (Act No. 31 of 2024) (Signed on 4 October, 2024)
• Motor Insurance Insolvency Compensation Act 2024 (Act No. 32 of 2024) (Signed on 8 October, 2024)
• Electricity Costs (Emergency Measures) Domestic Accounts Act 2024 (Act No. 33 of 2024) (Signed on 12 October, 2024)
• Planning and Development Act 2024 (Act No. 34 of 2024) (Signed on 17 October, 2024)
• Gambling Regulation Act 2024 (Act No. 35 of 2024) (Signed on 23 October, 2024)
• Social Welfare Act 2024 (Act No. 36 of 2024) (Signed on 28 October, 2024)
• Maternity Protection, Employment Equality and Preservation of Certain Records Act 2024 (Act No. 37 of 2024) (Signed on 28 October, 2024)
• Agriculture Appeals (Amendment) Act 2024 (Act No. 38 of 2024) (Signed on 29 October, 2024)
• Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2024 (Act No. 39 of 2024) (Signed on 29 October, 2024)
• Seanad Electoral (University Members) (Amendment) Act 2024 (Act No. 40 of 2024) (Signed on 29 October, 2024)
• Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Act 2024 (Act No. 41 of 2024) (Signed on 29 October, 2024)
• Health Insurance (Amendment) and Health (Provision of Menopause Products) Act 2024 (Act No. 42 of 2024) (Signed on 11 November, 2024)
• Finance Act 2024 (Act No. 43 of 2024) (Signed on 12 November, 2024)
• Companies (Corporate Governance, Enforcement and Regulatory Provisions) Act 2024 (Act No. 44 of 2024) (Signed on 12 November, 2024)
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 2024
STATEMENTS
During 2024 President Higgins issued 108 Statements as follows:
January 2024
Sunday, 7 January 2024
President Higgins congratulates Fintan O'Toole on winning the 2024 Robert B. Silvers prize for journalism https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-congratulates-fintan-otoole-on-winningthe-2024-robert-b-silvers-prize-for-journalism
Statement by President Higgins on the death of Peadar O'Dowd https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-peadarodowd
Saturday, 13 January 2024
President Higgins unveils plaque commemorating connection of Rahoon Cemetery to James Joyce’s ‘The Dead’ https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-unveils-plaque-commemoratingconnection-of-rahoon-cemetery-to-james-joyces-the-dead
Wednesday, 17 January 2024
President Higgins meets with H.E. Mr Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-meets-with-h.e-mr-li-qiang-premier-of-thestate-council-of-the-peoples-republic-of-china
Wednesday, 24 January 2024
Statement by President Higgins on the death of Dr Ivor Browne https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-dr-ivorbrowne
Friday, 26 January 2024
President Michael D. Higgins to receive the ‘Agricola Medal’ of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-michael-d-higgins-to-receive-the-agricola-medal-ofthe-un-food-and-agriculture-organisation
February 2024
Saturday, 3 February 2024
Statement by President Higgins following phonecall with Dr Mike Ryan, Executive Director of the WHO https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-following-phonecall-with-drmike-ryan-executive-director-of-the-who
Statement by President Higgins welcoming reactivation of the Northern Ireland Assembly
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-welcoming-reactivation-ofthe-northern-ireland-assembly
Monday, 5 February 2024
Statement from President Higgins following King Charles’ medical diagnosis
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-from-president-higgins-following-king-charlesmedical-diagnosis
Tuesday, 6 February 2024
Statement by President Higgins on the death of John Bruton
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-john-bruton
Saturday, 10 February 2024
Statement by President Higgins for World Pulses Day 2024
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-for-world-pulses-day-2024
Monday, 12 February 2024
Statement by President Higgins on the death of Andreas (Dries) van Agt, former Prime Minister of the Netherlands
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-andreas-driesvan-agt-former-prime-minister-of-the-netherlands
Friday, 16 February 2024
Statement by President Michael D. Higgins on the death of Alexei Navalny
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-michael-d-higgins-on-the-death-ofalexei-navalny
Monday, 19 February 2024
Statement by President Higgins following death of Michael O’Regan
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-following-death-of-michaeloregan
Monday, 26 February 2024
Statement following UN Secretary-General’s remarks to Human Rights Council: 'In Gaza, children dying for lack of bread and water'
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-following-un-secretarygenerals-remarks-to-human-rights-council-in-gaza-children-dying-for-lack-of-bread-and-water
Thursday, 29 February 2024
Statement from Áras an Uachtaráin – President Michael D. Higgins brought to hospital for precautionary tests
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-from-aras-an-uachtarain-president-higginsbrought-to-hospital-for-precautionary-tests
March 2024
Friday, 1 March 2024
Update on President Higgins’ condition
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/update-on-president-higgins-condition
Monday, 4 March 2024
Statement from Áras an Uachtaráin - Update on President Michael D. Higgins
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-from-aras-an-uachtarain-update-on-presidentmichael-d-higgins
Thursday, 7 March 2024
President Higgins returns to Áras an Uachtaráin
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-returns-to-aras-an-uachtarain
Monday, 11 March 2024
Statement by President Higgins on current situation in Gaza
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-current-situation-in-gaza
Tuesday, 12 March 2024
Statement by President Higgins on the death of Charlie Bird
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-charlie-bird
Thursday, 14 March 2024
Statement following phonecall between President Higgins and President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-following-phonecall-between-president-higginsand-president-cyril-ramaphosa-of-south-africa
Friday, 15 March 2024
Statement by President Higgins on the death of Seán Hutton https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-sean-hutton
Sunday, 17 March 2024
Statement by President Higgins on the death of Emmet Stagg https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-emmetstagg24
Tuesday, 19 March 2024
Statement by President Higgins on access to aid to Gaza https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-access-to-aid-togaza190324
Monday, 25 March 2024
Statement by President Higgins following UN Security Council motion on Gaza https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-following-un-security-councilmotion-on-gaza
Statement by President Michael D. Higgins on the death of Imogen Stuart https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-michael-d-higgins-on-the-death-ofimogen-stuart
Wednesday, 27 March 2024
Statement by President Higgins on the death of Mick Brennan
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-mickbrennan
Thursday, 28 March 2024
Statement by President Higgins following additional ICJ measures on Gaza https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-following-additional-icjmeasures-on-gaza
April 2024
Monday, 15 April 2024
Statement by President Michael D. Higgins on the death of Sam Nolan
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-michael-d-higgins-on-the-death-ofsam-nolan
Thursday, 18 April 2024
Statement by President Higgins following verdict of ‘Unlawful Killing’ at the Stardust Inquests
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-following-verdict-of-unlawfulkilling-at-the-stardust-inquests
Saturday, 27 April 2024
Statement by President Michael D. Higgins on the death of Ethna Viney https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-michael-d-higgins-on-the-death-ofethna-viney
May 2024
Wednesday, 1 May 2024
May Day 2024 Statement by President Michael D. Higgins
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/may-day-2024-statement-by-president-michael-d-higgins
Friday, 3 May 2024
Statement by President Michael D. Higgins on the death of Bruce Arnold
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-michael-d-higgins-on-the-death-ofbruce-arnold
Saturday, 11 May 2024
Statement by President Higgins on the death of Mary Banotti
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-mary-banotti
Tuesday, 14 May 2024
Statement by President Higgins on attacks on aid convoys providing humanitarian relief to Gaza
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-attacks-on-aid-convoysproviding-humanitarian-relief-to-gaza
Wednesday, 15 May 2024
Statement by President Higgins on the shooting of the Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-shooting-of-theprime-minister-of-slovakia-robert-fico
Friday, 17 May 2024
President Michael D. Higgins commemorates 50th anniversary of Dublin and Monaghan Bombings https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-michael-d-higgins-commemorates-50thanniversary-of-dublin-and-monaghan-bombings
Sunday, 19 May 2024
Statement by President Higgins on the death of Anthony O’Reilly https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-anthonyoreilly
President Higgins to meet the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, at Áras an Uachtaráin https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-to-meet-the-president-of-italy-sergiomattarella-at-aras-an-uachtarain
Monday, 20 May 2024
Statement by President Higgins following fatal helicopter crash in Iran https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-following-fatal-helicoptercrash-in-iran
Tuesday, 28 May 2024
President Higgins hosts reception to mark the Centenary of the Courts System https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-hosts-reception-to-mark-the-centenary-ofthe-courts-system
Thursday, 30 May 2024
Statement by President Higgins on the death of Gerald Dawe https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-gerald-dawe
June 2024
Friday, 7 June 2024
President Higgins receives Agricola Medal of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-receives-agricola-medal-of-the-unitednations-food-and-agriculture-organisation
Sunday, 9 June 2024
Statement by President Higgins on the death of Joe Joyce https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-joe-joyce
Statement by President Higgins on the death of Charlie Lennon https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-charlielennon
Sunday, 16 June 2024
President and Sabina Higgins host Bloomsday Garden Party
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-and-sabina-higgins-host-bloomsday-themedgarden-party-at-aras-an-uachtarain-2023
Tuesday, 18 June 2024
Statement by President Higgins on rise in global spending on nuclear weapons
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-rise-in-global-spendingon-nuclear-weapons
Thursday, 20 June 2024
Statement by President Higgins for World Refugee Day 2024
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-for-world-refugee-day-2024
Sunday, 23 June 2024
Statement following Ceremony of Commemoration for the victims, survivors and all those affected by the Stardust Fire
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-following-ceremony-ofcommemoration-for-the-victims-survivors-and-all-those-affected-by-the-stardust-fire
Tuesday, 25 June 2024
Statement by President Higgins on the death of Tommie Gorman https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-tommiegorman
Statement by President Michael D. Higgins on the death of Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-michael-d-higgins-on-the-death-ofmicheal-o-muircheartaigh
Thursday, 27 June 2024
President and Sabina Higgins host Bloomsday Garden Party https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-and-sabina-higgins-host-garden-party-onsustaining-and-conserving-our-oceans-seas-and-marine-resources
July 2024
Sunday, 7 July 2024
Statement by President Higgins on the death of John O'Mahony https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-johnomahony
Tuesday, 9 July 2024
Statement by President Higgins on Russian attack on Ohmatdyt Children's Hospital in Kyiv https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-attack-on-ohmatdytchildrens-hospital-in-kyiv
Statement by President Higgins on the death of Pádraic de Bhaldraithe https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-padraic-debhaldraithe
Wednesday, 17 July 2024
Statement by President Michael D. Higgins on the death of Justin Kilcullen
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-michael-d-higgins-on-the-death-ofjustin-kilcullen
Friday, 26 July 2024
Statement by President Higgins ahead of Paris Olympics
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-ahead-of-paris-olympics
Sunday, 28 July 2024
Statement by President Michael D. Higgins on the death of Edna O’Brien
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-michael-d-higgins-on-the-death-ofedna-obrien
August 2024
Thursday, 8 August 2024
Statement by President Higgins following the death of Aidan O’Leary
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-following-the-death-of-aidanoleary
Saturday, 10 August 2024
Statement by President Higgins following strike on school site in Gaza City
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-following-strike-on-schoolsite-in-gaza-city
Sunday, 11 August 2024
Statement by President Higgins following conclusion of Paris 2024 Olympic Games
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-following-conclusion-of-paris2024-olympic-games
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina host a recording of RTÉ Radio 1’s Sunday Miscellany to mark Culture Night
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/culture-night-2024
Monday, 12 August 2024
Statement by President Higgins on the death of Archbishop Noёl Treanor
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-archbishopnol-treanor
Monday, 19 August 2024
Statement by President Higgins following stepping down of Doug Beattie as UUP leader https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-following-stepping-down-ofdoug-beattie-as-uup-leader
Statement by President Michael D. Higgins for World Humanitarian Day 2024
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-michael-d-higgins-for-worldhumanitarian-day-2024
Wednesday, 21 August 2024
Statement by President Michael D. Higgins on the death of Nell McCafferty https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-michael-d-higgins-on-the-death-ofnell-mccafferty
Monday, 26 August 2024
Statement by President Higgins on the need for global action to address inequality https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-need-for-globalaction-to-address-inequality
Thursday, 29 August 2024
Statement by President Higgins following stepping down of Colum Eastwood as leader of the SDLP https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-following-stepping-down-ofcolum-eastwood-as-leader-of-the-sdlp
September 2024
Sunday, 1 September 2024
Statement by President Higgins following recovery of bodies of six hostages in Gaza https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-following-recovery-of-bodiesof-six-hostages-in-gaza
Monday, 9 September 2024
President Higgins meets with survivor on tenth anniversary of Yazidi genocide https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-meets-with-survivor-on-tenth-anniversaryof-yazidi-genocide
Wednesday, 11 September 2024
Statement by President Higgins following announcement of a public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-following-announcement-ofa-public-inquiry-into-the-murder-of-pat-finucane
Friday, 13 September 2024
President Higgins hosts reception for Ireland’s Paris 2024 Olympians at Áras an Uachtaráin https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-hosts-reception-for-irelands-paris-2024olympians-at-aras-an-uachtarain
Sunday, 22 September 2024
President Higgins to address United Nations Summit of the Future in New York https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-to-address-united-nations-summit-of-thefuture-in-new-york
Monday, 30 September 2024
A State Visit by the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam announced by Áras an Uachtaráin https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/a-state-visit-by-the-president-of-the-socialist-republic-ofvietnam-announced-by-aras-an-uachtarain
October 2024
Wednesday, 2 October 2024
President Higgins receives the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, H.E. Tô Lâm at Áras an Uachtaráin on a State Visit
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-receives-the-president-of-the-socialistrepublic-of-vietnam-h.e-to-lam-at-aras-an-uachtarain-on-a-state-visit
Thursday, 3 October 2024
Statement by President Michael D. Higgins on the death of Mary O’Rourke
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-michael-d-higgins-on-the-death-ofmary-orourke
Saturday, 5 October 2024
Statement by President Higgins on the 50th anniversary of the Guildford Bombs https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-50th-anniversary-ofthe-guildford-bombs
Statement by President Higgins on situation in Middle East
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-situation-in-middle-east
Wednesday, 16 October 2024
President Higgins congratulates Calum Agnew, winner of A New Local Hero Award 2024 https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-congratulates-calum-agnew-winner-of-anew-local-hero-award-2024
Statement by President Higgins on World Food Day 2024
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-world-food-day-2024
Friday, 25 October 2024
Statement by President Higgins on the death of Gustavo Gutiérrez https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-gustavogutierrez
Tuesday, 29 October 2024
Statement by President Higgins following Knesset votes on UNRWA https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-following-knesset-votes-onunrwa
Wednesday, 30 October 2024
President Higgins signs Presidential Pardons for Mr Sylvester Poff and Mr James Barrett https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-signs-presidential-pardons-for-mr-sylvesterpoff-and-mr-james-barrett
Thursday, 31 October
Statement by President Higgins following floods in Spain https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-following-floods-in-spain
Statement by President Higgins on the death of David Davin-Power https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-david-davinpower
November 2024
Friday, 1 November 2024
President Higgins to deliver 2024 Kofi Annan Eminent Speakers’ Lecture https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-to-deliver-2024-kofi-annan-eminentspeakers-lecture
Thursday, 7 November 2024
Statement by President Higgins on the death of Kathleen Watkins https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-kathleenwatkins
President Michael D. Higgins delivers 2024 Kofi Annan Eminent Speakers’ Lecture https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-michael-d-higgins-delivers-2024-kofi-annaneminent-speakers-lecture
Friday, 8 November 2024
Statement by President Higgins on the death of Billy Lawless https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-billy-lawless
President Higgins signs Proclamation of Dissolution of 33rd Dáil
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-signs-proclamation-of-dissolution-of-33rddail
Thursday, 14 November 2024
President Higgins welcomes Irish Paralympic Team to Áras an Uachtaráin https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-welcomes-irish-paralympic-team-to-aras-anuachtarain
Saturday, 16 November 2024
Statement by President Higgins on the death of Jon Kenny https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-jon-kenny
Sunday, 17 November 2024
Message on World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 2024 https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/message-on-world-day-of-remembrance-for-road-trafficvictims-2024
Wednesday, 20 November 2024
Statement by President Higgins on the 100th anniversary of the Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-100th-anniversary-ofthe-geneva-declaration-of-the-rights-of-the-child
Thursday, 21 November 2024
Statement by President Higgins on the 50th Anniversary of the Birmingham Bombings
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-50th-anniversary-ofthe-birmingham-bombings
Friday, 22 November 2024
President and Sabina Higgins plant 2,000 tree native-variety mini forest in grounds of Áras an Uachtaráin
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-and-sabina-higgins-plant-2000-tree-native-varietymini-forest-in-grounds-of-aras-an-uachtarain
Tuesday, 26 November 2024
Statement by President Higgins on the death of Gemma Hussey
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-gemmahussey
Statement by President Higgins on the death of Louise Asmal
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-louise-asmal
December 2024
Sunday, 1 December 2024
Essay by President Michael D. Higgins for the UNAIDS World AIDS Day Annual Report https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/essay-by-president-michael-d-higgins-for-the-unaids-worldaids-day-annual-report
Friday, 6 December 2024
Statement by President Higgins on the death of Dickie Rock https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-dickie-rock
Tuesday, 10 December 2024
Statement by President Michael D. Higgins for International Human Rights Day 2024 https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-michael-d-higgins-for-internationalhuman-rights-day-2024
Wednesday, 11 December 2024
President Higgins meets with the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-higgins-meets-with-the-president-of-egypt-abdelfattah-el-sisi
Friday, 13 December 2024
President and Sabina Higgins release Christmas Card for 2024 https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/president-and-sabina-higgins-release-christmas-card-for-2024
Wednesday, 18 December 2024
Statement from Áras an Uachtaráin - The Taoiseach proffered his resignation in accordance with Article 28.9.1° of the Constitution.
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-from-aras-an-uachtarain-18-12-24
Sunday, 22 December 2024
Statement by President Higgins on the death of Gearóid Ó Cairealláin
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-gearoid-ocaireallain
Tuesday, 24 December 2024
Statement by President Higgins on the death of Tom Hyland
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-higgins-on-the-death-of-tom-hyland
Sunday, 29 December 2024
Statement by President Michael D. Higgins on the death of President Jimmy Carter
https://president.ie/en/media-library/news-releases/statement-by-president-michael-d-higgins-on-the-death-ofpresident-jimmy-carter
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, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.
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
Operational Services Supplies and Sundry Equipment
Digital Capital Investment and IT Expensess
Premises Expenses
Centenarian Bounty
Appropriations-in-Aid
TOTAL 2,323 122 10 509 204 3 1,378 (122) 4,427
To offset emissions associated with Official Air Travel undertaken in 2024 the Office of the Secretary General to the President paid an amount of €444 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 2024.
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.
In-house events
These figures relate to spending under the 1938 Allowance for the period 1 January 2024 – 31 December 2024.
A deficit of €9,446 was recorded in the 1938 Allowance for the year 2024. The reason for this deficit, the first such instance in President Higgins' two terms, was an increase in the purchase cost of food and beverages nationally. The deficit was covered by the surplus in the Allowance from previous years.
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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