A YEAR IN REVIEW 2021 & 2022
President Michael D. Higgins
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CONTENTS Foreword
04
Representing the Nation
06
Key Themes
07
Machnamh 100 - Remembering our past to shape our future
08
Reclaiming the European Street
16
A Year in Review 2021
17
A Year in Review 2022
44
Garden Parties
110
Gaisce – The President’s Award
117
Ambassadors present their Letters of Credence
118
Appointment of Judges
123
Legislation
126
The ‘Centenarian Bounty’
131
Finances and Governance
132
Biodiversity at Áras an Uachtaráin
135
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FOREWORD While the years 2021 and 2022 were ones once more dominated to varying extents by COVID-19, a pandemic which was to impact on all of our lives far longer than any of us could have imagined in those first early days of lockdown in the spring of 2020, they also saw us thankfully begin to emerge from the shadow of the pandemic and to resume normal life. As a country, we think in particular of the more than half a million of our fellow citizens who lost loved ones during the pandemic, as well as all those living abroad who endured painful separation from loved ones at home in Ireland at times of great distress and grief. We recall how hard it was that there was no space for those normal expressions of grief that had to be curtailed because of the restrictions imposed, necessary as they were, to curtail the virus’s spread. We think too of those carers who had to forgo offering their care and visits to those they love. We owe a great debt of thanks to all our frontline and emergency workers, all those voluntary and non-governmental organisations who provided such vital supports to victims and the vulnerable, and to all those throughout our communities who undertook countless acts of kindness and service. Looking back at 2021 and 2022, it is important that we also recognise the work of the vaccination programme, which allowed us to take the first steps in our long journey out of the restrictions which the pandemic had forced upon us. Despite the prevalence of COVID, it was vital that our day to day work continued and that we did not lose focus on the key challenges facing us and our society. This report provides an overview of some of my key work as President of Ireland over the course of the last two years. In particular, I was pleased to be able to host five of the six seminars comprising the Machnamh 100 series at Áras an Uachtaráin. Machnamh brought together leading scholars from different
backgrounds, and with an array of perspectives, to share their insights and thoughts on the context and events of the formative period of a century ago, as well as on the nature of commemoration itself. A book bringing together the proceedings of the first three seminars was published in 2021 and is available at universities and libraries across the country, as well as in ebook format on www. president.ie/machnamh. A second volume, featuring the final three seminars, will be published in 2023. I was also pleased to in 2021 publish the book ‘Reclaiming the European Street’, bringing together some of my key speeches on Europe and the European Union between the years 2016 and 2020. It is more urgent than ever that we work together to bring about a renewed shared world, built upon the importance of connecting ecology, economics, social justice and ethics. These are themes which I also discussed with Pope Francis in my meeting with him in September 2021, as well as in my many engagements with my fellow European Heads of State over the course of the two years – including at the annual meetings of the Arraiolos Group of non-executive European Presidents, with Presidents Macron of France and Steinmeier of Germany during their respective Official and State Visits to Ireland in 2021, with President Rebelo de Soursa of Portugal on his State Visit to Ireland in 2022, and during my own Official and State Visits to Austria and Malta where I met with President Van der Bellen and President Vella respectively. They are also themes which I touched upon in my address to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg in October 2022. For those interested, there is more information on all of the events covered in this publication and more available on the president.ie website. In addition to providing information on my public engagements throughout the year, the website also hosts a library of speeches in audio, video and written format, as well as photographs, publications and news releases.
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Before concluding, I would like to take the opportunity to thank the public for the support and welcome which myself and Sabina continue to receive right across Ireland and beyond. November 2021 marked the tenth anniversary of my first inauguration as President of Ireland and it remains an honour to serve the people of Ireland each and every day. Míle buíochas.
Michael D. Higgins Uachtarán na hÉireann President of Ireland
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REPRESENTING THE NATION
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins with Bród and Misneach 2021
The Irish State is a republic and its Head of State is the President, who is elected directly by the people. The Irish Constitution, Bunreacht na hÉireann, prescribes the role and powers of the President, which include: •
Appointment of the Taoiseach, members of the Government, judges and other officials;
•
Summoning Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann and dissolving, or refusing to dissolve, Dáil Éireann;
•
Signing legislation into law and/or referring Bills to the Supreme Court;
•
Representing the people of Ireland;
•
Acting as Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces.
The President’s diplomatic role includes receiving foreign Heads of State and ambassadors, and undertaking visits abroad where the President represents Ireland at the highest level.
The President’s influence has important diplomatic benefits, strengthening Ireland’s influence at multilateral organisations such as the United Nations, but also economically, helping to open doors for Irish companies, academics and artists. In addition to performing his formal tasks, the President also plays an important role in representing the entire Irish nation. As principal representative of the country, the President not only personifies Ireland on the international stage but also symbolises Ireland’s identity, values, priorities and aspirations. By speaking on behalf of the nation at times of national or international tragedy, or at times of celebration, the President can give voice to the feelings of the people of Ireland. Furthermore, by highlighting the work and achievements of people and organisations, the President can acknowledge important contributions to our society, and draw attention to specific themes or activities.
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KEY THEMES President Higgins has structured his work along key themes, combined in a number of special initiatives:
Participating and Transformation President Higgins has made the promotion of a more inclusive society a cornerstone of his work, informed by his firm belief that everyone in Ireland has a valuable contribution to make and that society is strengthened when it supports, and is shaped by, a diversity of experiences and perspectives.
Imagination and the Nation The Imagination and the Nation initiatives is based on the President’s view that the power of the creative arts to engage, challenge, transform and empower needs to be celebrated, and protected. Throughout the year, President Higgins works to highlight the importance of art and creativity in Irish life, by celebrating its power to engage, challenge, transform and empower.
Shared Ireland, Shared Island The aim of this initiative by the President is to promote public discussion on how we can all thrive on the island of Ireland, while living in harmony with respect for our complex history. During the year, President Higgins invites thinkers from various backgrounds, communities and cultural groups to Áras an Uachtaráin.
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MACHNAMH 100 REMEMBERING OUR PAST TO SHAPE OUR FUTURE
President Michael D. Higgins - May 2021
Ireland is marking a ‘Decade of Centenaries’, highlighting the centenary anniversaries of some of the seminal events in Ireland’s history, including the Lockout of 1913, the First World War, the Easter Rising, the Flu Epidemic, the election of 1918, the meeting of the first Dáil, the War of Independence and the Irish Civil War. President Michael D. Higgins has led the commemorations, through State ceremonial events and by shaping national efforts to examine the background, impact and contemporary relevance of the events being commemorated.
In his work, President Higgins has highlighted the need for engaging in the task of ‘ethical remembering’ – the importance of including and recognising those voices that were, in our past, too often marginalised, disenfranchised or excluded – and adopting a disposition of ‘narrative hospitality’ – a willingness to be open to the perspectives, stories, memories and pains of the stranger. In December 2020, President Higgins launched a next phase of the programme of commemorations, by commencing a series of six seminars inviting reflections on the War of Independence, the Treaty Negotiations, the Civil War and Partition.
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Entitled ‘Machnamh 100’ – referring to the ancient Irish concept encompassing reflection, contemplation, meditation and thought – the seminars, each of which has been chaired by Dr John Bowman, are designed to bring together leading scholars, from different backgrounds and with an array of perspectives, to share their insights and thoughts on the context and events of a century ago. Machnamh 100 is an invitation from the President to all those with an interest in Ireland’s past to reflect on what the events of a century ago mean for us today. The first seminar took place in December 2020.
The Principal Address was given by President Michael D. Higgins entitled ‘Of Centenaries and the Hospitality Necessary in Reflecting on Memory, History and Forgiveness’ with responses from Prof Ciarán Benson, Dr Anne Dolan, Prof Michael Laffan, Prof Joep Leerssen and concluding comments by President Michael D. Higgins. The following three of the six Machnamh 100 seminars took place over the course of 2021 with the final two taking place in 2022. Each of the seminars is available to view on the RTÉ Player and on the president.ie website.
(LtoR) President Michael D. Higgins, Prof Alvin Jackson, Prof Eunan O’Halpin, Dr Marie Coleman, Dr Niamh Gallagher and Prof John Horne (participants) Machnamh 100 Second Seminar – February 2021
Second Seminar – Empire: Instincts, Interests, Power and Resistance The second seminar, entitled “Empire: Instincts, Interests, Power and Resistance”, was held in February 2021 and included consideration of European Empires following the First World War, the British Empire in particular and imperial attitudes and responses to occurrences in Ireland. It also included reflections on examples of resistance to Empire in Ireland and resistance to nationalism.
The main reflection was given by Professor John Horne of Trinity College Dublin, who provided an overview of the international context of the events in 1920s Ireland, including the fall of empires and the particular status and power of the British Empire. There were responses from President Higgins, Professor Eunan O’Halpin (Trinity College Dublin), Dr Marie Coleman (Queen’s University Belfast), Professor Alvin Jackson (University of Edinburgh) and Dr Niamh Gallagher (St. Catharine’s College, Cambridge).
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(LtoR) Dr John Cunningham, Prof Linda Connolly, Dr Margaret O’Callaghan, President Michael D. Higgins and Archivist Catriona Crowe (participants) Machnamh 100 Third Seminar – May 2021
Third Seminar – Land, Social Class, Gender and the Sources of Violence; Recovering Reimagined Futures The third seminar, “Recovering Reimagined Futures”, was held in May 2021 and focused on issues of social class, land and the role of women, subjects that are all tangibly and profoundly interlinked in the context of early 20th-century Ireland, and how particular gradations of violence emerged and became deeply interwoven across these subjects with consequences that would shape the Ireland of today. Issues for discussion included, inter alia, how the Land Question shaped the figure of Irish nationalism and the shape of the society which emerged from
the nationalist struggle with consequences for society and culture; the impacts of the independence struggle on women, as well as their role in activism and participation; and possible futures in the context of settlement talks between Britain and Dáil representatives following the first meeting of the parliament of Northern Ireland (June 1921) and the military Truce (July 1921). The principal address at this seminar was given by Dr Margaret O’Callaghan of Queens University Belfast, with responses from President Higgins, Dr Caitríona Clear (NUI Galway), Professor Linda Connolly (NUI Maynooth), Catriona Crowe (Archivist), and Dr John Cunningham (NUI Galway).
(LtoR front row) Professor Diarmaid Ferriter, President Michael D. Higgins, Prof Mary E. Daly, Prof Fearghal McGarry (LtoR back row) Prof Margaret Kelleher, Dr Daithí Ó Corráin (participants) and Dr John Bowman (Chair) Machnamh 100 Fourth Seminar – November 2021 10 2021 & 2022 IN REVIEW
Fourth Seminar – Settlements, Schisms and Civil Strife Part 2 in the series, focusing on events including the Civil War and the formation of two new administrations on the island, commenced with the fourth seminar, held in November, 2021. Entitled “Settlements, Schisms and Civil Strife”, the seminar involved a consideration of the road to the Treaty and its long-term implications. It also examined Ireland in the summer of 1921 and what the Truce meant, what prospects it opened, as well as the international aspect of the halt in hostilities. The principal address at the seminar was delivered by Professor Diarmaid Ferriter of University College Dublin, with responses from Professor Fearghal McGarry (Queens University Belfast), Professor Mary E. Daly (University College Dublin), Dr Daithí Ó Corráin (Dublin City University) and Professor Margaret Kelleher (University College Dublin). The President concluded with his paper entitled ‘The 1920’s – Of the Experience ‘from Below”.
Fifth Seminar – Constitutional, Institutional and Ideological Foundations: Complexity and Contestation The fifth seminar, entitled ‘Constitutional, Institutional and Ideological Foundations: Complexity and Contestation’ took place in May 2022, concentrated on the period following the Civil War and the sources of authority and legitimacy in the new administrations formed north and south. It included a particular consideration of the issue of ‘institutionalising’ exclusion: the groups marginalized in different ways by the state, the notions of ‘respectability’, ‘status’ and of having ‘a stake in the country’, the importance of land possession and what groups were deemed not to have such a stake, and the issues of class, state and identity. The principal speaker was Professor Brendan O’Leary of the University of Pennsylvania with responses from President Higgins, Professor Henry Patterson (Ulster University), Professor Lindsey Earner Byrne and Dr Theresa Reidy (both University College Cork). The event was moderated by Dr John Bowman.
In his own contribution, the President’s paper entitled ‘Interpreting the Period 1922 to 1926 in Irish History: Influences and Consequences’ noted that the events of the period 1922 to 1926 are among the most important in modern Irish history – not only in terms of how they fell out and the consequences that flowed from them, but in what they tell us about the assumptions they carried about independence, of the balance between parliamentary possibilities and military action, of the hold of empires and the force of a mythic dream of independence. In his address, the President stated: “One cannot avoid, I feel, reflecting on what lives might have been saved, relationships allowed to survive and develop, had the express will and vote of the vast majority of the people of the island for independence in 1918 been accepted and acted upon. We have our independence because it was fought for. Yet neither the war with an empire, that the majority had voted to leave, nor a later civil war on the implications of the conclusion of the Treaty, was inevitable.” The President considered in particular the plight of those who had found themselves on the losing side of the Civil War when they attempted to re-enter society and the many exclusions and humiliations which they faced, as well as the continuing importance of land and notions of ‘respectability’ in the post-independence period. The President remarked: “A striking feature of those interned is their marginalisation, be it in terms of their occupation, their language. They are from the edges of the property-owning clericalist society that now defines what is ‘respectable’.” The President further stated: “Issues of land remained omnipresent. The Land Commission continued to redistribute farmland in most of Ireland, with untenanted land subject to compulsorily purchase orders, lands which were nominally to be divided out to landless families, but
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in the execution this was applied unevenly across the State, with an emerging movement from IRA networks claiming that they who had driven out landlords were being ignored.” Concluding, the President noted: “Change has come, if too slowly, too late, for many. We must welcome and sustain those cracks that have let in the light, that have led to communities beginning to see and understand the incubus for violence which these authoritarianisms constitute. We
are ceasing to see the necessity for abuses to be directed at each other, the need and satisfaction that comes from narrative hospitality and decency in discourse. All of that is precious. It is what offers hope.” The seminar was recorded in front of a live audience in the Hyde Room. The audience included academics with an interest in the period, history teachers and a number of secondary school students. This event was broadcast on the RTÉ player and is also available on the President of Ireland YouTube Channel.
(LtoR) Dr Theresa Reidy, University College Cork; Professor Brendan O’Leary University of Pennsylvania; President, Michael D. Higgins; Professor Lindsey Earner-Byrne, University College Cork and Professor Henry Patterson, Ulster University – May 2022
President Michael D. Higgins and fifth year History students from Dominican College, Muckross Park, Dublin – May 2022
President Michael D. Higgins and Guests
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(LtoR) Lelia Doolan, Prof Declan Kiberd, President Michael D. Higgins, Prof Angela Bourke, Fergal Keane and John Bowman (Chair) – November 2022
Sixth Seminar – Memory, History and Imagination In November 2022 President Higgins hosted, Machnamh 100 Seminar VI, the final in the series, entitled “Memory, History and Imagination”. The final seminar, ‘Memory, History and Imagination’, featured a principal address by author and historian; Professor Declan Kiberd of the University of Notre Dame. This was followed by responses from cultural theorist and film producer Lelia Doolan; Professor Angela Bourke of University College Dublin; and BBC journalist and author, Fergal Keane. Across their contributions, the participants consider the intersections between history, trauma and the cultural memory which has developed of the period. The seminar also included a keynote address by President Higgins entitled ‘1922 – The Most Significant Year?’.
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President Michael D. Higgins and Dr John Bowman (Chair – Machnamh 100 series)
Publication of Machnamh 100: Centenary Reflections, Volume 1 In November 2021, a hardback book entitled ‘Machnamh 100, Centenary Reflections, Volume 1’ was published, containing the speeches and discussions from the first three seminars, which focused on the War of Independence. The book is available in public libraries and in universities across the country, as well as via Scoilnet, the Department of Education’s official portal for Irish education, and to students throughout the network of 749 post primary schools. It is also available free of charge as an ebook on the President.ie website.
A second volume, covering the final three seminars, focusing on the Civil War and the foundations of the new administration on the island was published in November 2023. In addition to his Machnamh 100 series, President Higgins also attended a number of other commemorative events over the course of the year.
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President Michael D. Higgins – National Concert Hall. Image courtesy of National Concert Hall
Cultural event to reflect on the Centenary of the Irish Civil War On 17 September 2022, as part of the programme of events for the Decade of Centenaries, President Higgins spoke at a cultural event to reflect on the Centenary of the Civil War and to remember those whose lives were lost. President Higgins delivered his address entitled, ‘Ireland’s Civil War - Of Consequences, Losses and Failed Peace Initiatives’. In his address the President said: “The violence that was waged as part of Ireland’s Civil War in 1922-1923, and its outcome, was an appalling human tragedy for so many Irish families. Its legacies were manifold and harmful, remained so for succeeding generations, leaving the wounds of the war and its exclusions between former comrades unhealed for decades, a bitter remnant that stained Irish society, prevented social egalitarianism and impeded cohesion.” He also said: “One of the greatest omissions in our considerations to date is the very little space that has been granted
to those who sought peace, or to end the conflict. Such people were aware of what had been lost, suffered needlessly, when the British Government refused to accept the will of the people as expressed freely and overwhelmingly in the election of 1918. They knew that conscription drew the greatest cost from the poorest and from workers. Peace efforts continued into the Civil War period - efforts such as those let by Tom Johnson, the United Labour and Trade Union Movement on an all-island basis. Such efforts included the threat of Labour to remove its 17 members from the Dáil in an effort to end militarism. On 23 April 1922 the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, led by Thomas Johnson, called a one-day General Strike clearly titled ‘End the Militarism’. This General Strike resulted in what The Irish Times called the “complete paralysis of all the nerves of industrial, commercial and social life”. Much more important than any such a description, was that it represented the demand of a weary people who had suffered the 1918 flu, the War of Independence and now a conflict between fellow comrades.”
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RECLAIMING THE EUROPEAN STREET ‘Reclaiming the European Street: Speeches on Europe and the European Union, 2016-20’, edited by Professor Joachim Fischer and Dr Fergal Lenehan was published on 8 April 2021 The President’s selected speeches deal with a widerange of contemporary issues, from the 1916 Centenary celebrations to the Brexit decision of June 2016 and the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as a consideration of the idea of home. The book is divided into six sections, comprising of: •
European History and Memory;
•
Towards a Social Europe;
•
Thinking About Europe;
•
Connecting European Cultures;
•
The Future of the European Union; and
•
A Multilingual Europe – Translations into Irish, French and German.
Following publication, the President participated in a number of book festivals to discuss the themes of the book, including the Festival of Writing and Ideas; the Dublin Book Festival; the Dalkey Book Festival; and the Dingle Literary Festival.
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A YEAR IN REVIEW 2021
BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition
UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science
On 6 January, President Higgins formally opened the 2021 BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition with a video message. The event, which was the first ever virtual version of the annual exhibition, featured 550 student projects selected from more than 1,300 entries.
On 11 February, the President marked the UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science with a special message. In his message, the President said that the International Day provides an appropriate occasion “to celebrate the contribution of women to the field of science, to acknowledge how important a contribution it is, and to highlight the ongoing need for action to ensure the voices of women and girls are heard more widely and at every level in the world of science.” Noting that, despite progress in recent years, a significant gender gap remains, the President highlighted a number of issues that affect women’s participation in science and technology, to be addressed urgently. In his message, President Higgins also addressed “every young girl who is wondering if a future in science is for her”, by highlighting the many positive female role models and telling aspiring female scientists to “carry your knowledge and skills with pride”.
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Seachtain na Gaeilge
International Women’s Day
President Higgins launched Seachtain na Gaeilge 2021 on the 1st of March, with a speech in which the President invited every Irish person to ‘give the language a second chance’.
Each year President Higgins and Sabina celebrate International Women’s Day to highlight the social, economic and political achievements of women and to add to the call for action to address continuing gender inequality and violence against women.
Seachtain na Gaeilge (Irish Language Week) is an international Irish language festival and one of the biggest celebrations of our native language and culture, that takes place each year in Ireland and in many other countries. President Higgins has used his term in office to promote the Irish language. Throughout his career, President Higgins has championed the Irish language and he was one of the driving forces behind the establishment of Teilifís na Gaeilge, now TG4. In his first term in office, President Higgins said that he aimed for his Presidency to be one of Ideas, and one sensitive to language, concepts and unspoken assumptions. Since then, he has on many occasions highlighted the central place of the Irish language in our history and culture, consistently encouraging people to speak the language, even if they only have the ‘cúpla focail.’
President and Sabina Higgins hosted their first virtual International Women’s Day initiative, with an online celebration of women’s voices and talents on 8 March. The President invited some remarkable women to unite their voices in song, poetry and thought, in an online tribute to the courage in which International Women’s Day is rooted, titled ‘Ar Aghaidh le Misneach agus le Chéile’ (Going Forward with Courage and Together). The Participants included: Dr Sindy Joyce, Rita Ann Higgins, Imelda May, Sr. Bernadette Sweeney, Roisin Ingle, Tolü Makay, Lelia Doolan, Sabina Higgins, Sinéad Burke, Áine Tyrrell and Norah Casey.
President Michael D. Higgins launched Seachtain na Gaeilge March 2021 by video broadcast
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Earth Hour President and Sabina Higgins marked Earth Hour on Saturday, 27 March. During Earth Hour, all non-essential lights in Áras an Uachtaráin were switched off, with the exception of the President’s “light in the window” for the diaspora.
Time is rapidly running out in our common battle against climate change and biodiversity loss. We must galvanise the sentiment that now exists for a greening of our economy and society, taking the necessary action, as indicated by the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals, to turn the will of the citizens of the globe into a lived reality.
Speaking about the initiative, President Higgins said: “Sabina and I have requested that the lights in Áras an Uachtaráin be switched off during ‘Earth Hour’ - a global moment of solidarity to highlight the importance of taking action to protect our vulnerable planet from the effects of climate change.
The symbolic act of switching off the lights may be viewed as an invitation to switch on our power as citizens. Now is the time for us all to commit to building a more sustainable society and economy as we look ahead to a brighter post-Covid existence on our shared, vulnerable planet.”
Matters of sustainability, ecology and climate change have become policy victims of Covid-19. They must become centre stage once again as a matter of urgency.
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President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins lay a Wreath to mark the 105th anniversary of the Easter Rising
Commemoration Ceremony to mark the 105th anniversary of the Easter Rising On 4 April, President Higgins led a commemoration ceremony marking the 105th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising. Due to the public health restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the commemoration, which was broadcast by RTÉ, began with a ceremonial ringing by President Higgins of the Peace Bell at Áras an Uachtaráin, followed by a prayer and a reading of the Proclamation from the GPO in Dublin’s O’Connell Street. President Higgins then laid a wreath at a group of 16 birch trees that were planted by the President and Sabina Higgins in 2019, to give effect to a 1919 resolution by the first Dáil recommending that 16 memorial trees be planted in memory of those executed in 1916. The laying of the wreath was followed by a minute’s silence, commemorating those who died in the Easter Rising.
International Traveller and Roma Day On 8 April, President Higgins issued a special Message to mark International Traveller & Roma Day 2021. In the Message, President Higgins reflected on progress made towards achieving the rights of Traveller and Roma communities, and highlighted the many areas in which progress has been insufficient. Expressing his hopes that recent progress “towards building a society that values and embraces diversity” will enable greater accommodation between settled and Traveller communities, the President invited us all to “celebrate the unique culture of the Traveller and Roma communities, and the role that culture has played in the shared memory of a nation.”
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins pictured at the Traveller Ethnicity Celebration at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, March 2018
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Annual Arbour Hill Commemoration Ceremony On 5 May, the President led the tributes at the annual Arbour Hill Commemoration Ceremony, the final resting place of the seven signatories of the Proclamation of the Republic and other executed leaders of the Easter Rising. Due to COVID-19, the ceremony took place in two locations, with a significant part of the ceremony taking place at Áras an Uachtaráin. President Higgins laid a wreath in honour of those who died in the 1916 Easter Rising, and a minute silence was observed.
President Michael D. Higgins lays a wreath in Áras an Uachtaráin in honour of those who died in the 1916 Easter Rising
Annual Famine Commemoration Ceremony On 16 May, President Higgins led the annual Famine Commemoration Ceremony at Glasnevin Cemetery. The President spoke about the Famine as a defining moment in Irish history, which has shaped not only our history but also our relationship with land, migration and politics. The President also linked Ireland’s harrowing experience with the Famine to our contemporary fight against hunger, poverty and forced migration. President Michael D. Higgins. Image courtesy of Fennells photography
Courtesy call by Tony Duffin, Patron of the Ana Liffey Drug Project President Higgins, who is Patron of the Ana Liffey Drug Project, welcomed the organisation’s CEO, Mr. Tony Duffin, to Áras an Uachtaráin on 26 May. Since its establishment in 1982, the Ana Liffey Drug Project has provided harm reduction services to individuals who are experiencing problem substance use.
President Michael D. Higgins and Mr. Tony Duffin
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Stay at Áras an Uachtaráin by Connemara ponies President Higgins welcomed staff from Kylemore Abbey to Áras an Uachtaráin, as they delivered two Connemara ponies for the beginning of their 4-month stay in the paddocks at Áras an Uachtaráin on 31 May.
President Michael D. Higgins and Sr. Jeanne with Gray Lass and Aimhirgin
The Connemara pony “Gray Lass” and her foal - named “Aimhirgin” by President Higgins after Aimhirgin Gluingheal Mac Mileadh, the Milesian warrior-poet of Irish mythology who is said to have defeated the Tuatha Dé Danann - grazed in the grounds of the Áras as part of a programme of work to enhance the biodiversity of the 130-acre site. The arrangement arises from the recommendations in a biodiversity audit, commissioned by President Higgins, to develop a conservation plan for the grounds of Áras an Uachtaráin.
Courtesy call by Professor Eoin O’Sullivan and Mike Allen Professor Eoin O’Sullivan and Mike Allen presented two of their books “Ending Homelessness?: The Contrasting Experiences of Ireland, Denmark and Finland” and “Reimagining Homelessness” to the President at Áras an Uachtaráin on 3 June. Housing and Homelessness have been recurrent themes in the work of President Higgins, both in relation to housing in Ireland and the experiences of people driven from their homes and homelands. Prof Eoin O’Sullivan, President Michael D. Higgins and Mike Allen
Online conference on academic freedom and intellectual dissent
President Michael D. Higgins
On 8 June, President Higgins addressed an online conference, organised by ‘Scholars at Risk – Ireland’ and ALLEA, on academic freedom and intellectual dissent. The conference focused on the importance of intellectual dissent and academic freedom to democratic societies in a Western, particularly European, context. The speakers and the panel discussed the scope and the limits of academic freedom in the context of political populism, neoliberalism and the exigencies of the post Covid social and educational landscape. 22 2021 & 2022 IN REVIEW
(LtoR) Sabina Higgins, President Michael D. Higgins, Eavan Gaffney, Noel O’Grady, John Feeley, Clinton Liberty, Brenda McSweeney, Margaret Toomey, Barry McGovern and Fran O’Rourke
Bloomsday President and Sabina Higgins’ 2021 Bloomsday celebrations took the form of online video performances by actors, singers and musicians performing in the grounds of Áras an Uachtaráin. The President and Sabina invited Barry McGovern, Margaret Toomey, Brenda McSweeney, Noel O’Grady, Eavan Gaffney, Clinton Liberty, John Feeley and Fran O’Rourke to perform at Áras an Uachtaráin as part of the President’s efforts to support Irish artists during the Covid-19 crisis. The Bloomsday event formed part of the ‘Imagination and the Nation’/’Samhlaíocht agus an Náisiún’ initiative by the President.
Eavan Gaffney and Clinton Liberty preforming at Bloomsday – Áras an Uachtaráin June 2021
The event was broadcast on Oireachtas TV, and was also available on the Áras an Uachtaráin Youtube channel.
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President Michael D. Higgins and author Colm Tóibín
Festival of Writing and Ideas
Dalkey Book Festival
On 17 June, President Higgins was interviewed by author Colm Tóibín for the ‘Festival of Writing and Ideas’.
On 19 June, President Higgins opened the 2021 Dalkey Book Festival.
President Michael D. Higgins and Colm Tóibín came together to talk about Europe, cultural diversity and Ireland’s contribution through its music, literature and poetry. They also touched upon the wider issues of ecological sustainability.
As part of the Festival, President Higgins was interviewed by economist David McWilliams in the Martello Tower at Bartra Cove, Dalkey.
Drawing from the President’s recently published Reclaiming the European Street and a shared passion for the written word, they focused on Ireland’s role upon the world stage. This interview was recorded on Bloomsday in Áras an Uachtaráin and was broadcast online for a live audience on Thursday, 17 June. Colm Tóibín FRSL is an Irish novelist, short story writer, essayist, journalist, critic, playwright and poet.
President Michael D. Higgins and David McWilliams. Image courtesy of Conor McCabe Photography
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Irish Poetry Reading Archive On 23 June, President Higgins contributed a number of poems to the Irish Poetry Reading Archive, University College Dublin Library. The archive is a central repository that holds recordings of Irish poets and writers, reading their own work and giving a very brief overview of the context and circumstances that influenced the writing of their poems. A dedicated supporter of the arts, President Higgins published four collections of poetry prior to his inauguration as Head of State in 2011. Adding nine poems to the archive, the President said the national repository preserved the voices of Ireland’s poets for future generation. His recordings, were taken from his published collections - New and Selected Poems (Liberties Press, 2011); An Arid Season (New Island, 2004); The Season of Fire (Brandon, 1993); and The Betrayal (Salmon, 1990)). Also included was a reading of ‘Saturdays Made Holy’, a poem released on Áras an Uachtaráin’s SoundCloud to mark May Day 2020 in honour of the life of Mary McPartlan.
The complete list of poems recorded by the President for the Irish Poetry Reading Archive include: •
The Betrayal
•
The Delivery
•
The death of Mary Doyle
•
On making the Three Decades
•
Toes
•
The Storyteller
•
The Touch 1
•
Stardust
•
Of Saturdays Made Holy
In selecting these works for inclusion, President Higgins said they reflected the importance that the archive had given to relationships with family and friends, as well as the legacy of Ireland’s turbulent history. He also provided handwritten transcriptions of his recorded poems. The archive is available online via https://libguides. ucd.ie/ipra
President Michael D. Higgins. Image courtesy of Johnny Bambury Photography 25 2021 & 2022 IN REVIEW
Meeting with Baroness May Blood President Higgins was pleased to meet with Baroness May Blood, Chairperson of the Integrated Education Fund, at Áras an Uachtaráin on 25 June 2021. Baroness Blood, a former grassroots community worker, became the first woman from Northern Ireland to be given a life peerage in the British House of Lords. From 2002, she was Campaign Chair of the Integrated Education Fund, an organisation supporting schools using a cross-sectoral approach to education in Northern Ireland. Baroness May Blood sadly passed away on Friday, 21 October 2022 and following her death President Higgins said: “The loss of Baroness May Blood, founder member of the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition and foremost campaigner for integrated education in Northern Ireland, including as Chair of the NI Integrated Education Fund, will be felt by so many.
The work she has done on the integrated education campaign, as well as her proud record of trade union activism and the bravest presentation of gender rights, have benefitted all those committed to building a generation who will enjoy peace and a shared life together. Baroness Blood was a truly progressive force. What she brought in particular was the emphasis on endurance in campaigns, knowing that change wouldn’t be instant but had to be kept moving. I was personally so struck by all of this when she had a long visit with me in Áras an Uachtaráin in June 2021 when we discussed all of these issues, and indeed discussed the things we would do together in the future. Sabina and myself send our deepest sympathies to all her friends and family.”
President Michael D. Higgins and Baroness May Blood (RIP) 26 2021 & 2022 IN REVIEW
President Michael D. Higgins
Sabina Higgins and President Michael D. Higgins with members of Tiglin support staff. Image courtesy of “Photos by Annie”
Address to United Nations Security Council
Visit to Tiglin Centre in Greystones, Co Wicklow
On 28 June, President Higgins addressed a special UN Security Council High-Level Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict. The open debate considered the findings of the annual report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict. The meeting was open to the public via UN WebTV, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. In his address, President Higgins noted that we are “at an acute crisis as to the future of children. From the Sahel to Syria, Afghanistan to the Horn of Africa, children are bearing the brunt of unspeakable violations. In so many places of war, such as Syria, Palestine and Yemen, children have grown up knowing only war. They have inherited the pain and trauma of occupation and unresolved conflicts. In Tigray, Ethiopia, children are facing famine, while girls have been the victims of horrific sexual violence. Rape and sexual assault are the shameful practice of a growing number of military assailants.”
On 29 June, the President and Sabina Higgins visited the Tiglin Centre in Greystones, Co. Dublin. Originally two semi-detached homes, the two premises became the ‘Christian Endeavour’ holiday home in 1936. Since 2009 the building has been used as a transitional housing project, providing a home for people exiting rehabilitation. Owned by Wicklow County Council, the building is managed by the organisation Tiglin, which provides housing for people who have completed a rehabilitation programme. Tiglin staff support the residents to assist in their recovery.
In this context, the President focused on three specific issues - education, protection and accountability which he suggested are foundational principles for us to advance from this nightmare.
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National Day of Commemoration 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 date for the National Day of Commemoration was chosen to be the nearest Sunday to 11 July, which is the anniversary of the 1921 truce. The event on 11 July 2021 marked the centenary of that event. In a statement to mark the centenary, President Higgins said: “The Truce is a significant event in the Decade of Commemorations. Reflecting on the Truce, which was agreed 100 years ago, it is appropriate to recall how the people in the streets of villages, towns and cities hoped and prayed for peace. Twice in the previous three years they had expressed their wishes at the ballot box. That expression was rejected. Hardly a year earlier, proposals for peace from Archbishop Clune had been rejected, as had the united voice of trade union members. As they gathered, anticipating, hoping for a truce that would lead to an enduring peace, they were carrying the grief of the 1918 flu epidemic; and ahead would be the tragic experience of the Civil War.
President Michael D. Higgins. Image courtesy of Department of Defence
Performance of ‘Bloody Phoenix’ President Higgins and Sabina Higgins attended a ‘promenade performance’ of a production of “Bloody Phoenix”, a drama written and directed by Michael James Ford at Áras an Uachtaráin on 24 August. The performance is part of a series of outdoor performances for small audiences in historic Dublin locations, and concerns ‘the Phoenix Park murders’ – the fatal stabbings of Lord Frederick Cavendish and Thomas Henry Burke, two senior British representatives in Ireland, in the Phoenix Park on 6 May 1882.
The signing of a Truce between the combatants is an event that should be commemorated as a thirst for peace deferred. So many lives and so much suffering could have been spared had the democratic will as expressed by the people been respected.”
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President Michael D. Higgins and David Puttnam
President Michael D. Higgins, H.E. Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic and Sabina Higgins
Festival of Writing and Ideas
Official visit by Emmanuel Macron, President of France
President Higgins took part in the 2021 Festival of Writing and Ideas, in Borris, Co. Carlow on 20 August 2021. The Festival of Writing & Ideas takes place each year in the grounds of Borris House. The festival, which has been running since 2012, brings together writers, artists, academics and journalists for a weekend of dialogue and discussion. President Higgins was interviewed by film producer, educator and environmentalist, David Puttnam. In the interview, the President said that those who had contributed the least to the climate crisis were paying the harshest and most immediate price, and that we need to show solidarity with those who are being driven from their homes by climate chaos and climate related conflicts: “We will be obliged to widen our perspective of home to all people on Earth in an act of international solidarity.
On 26 August, President Higgins received H.E. Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, at Áras an Uachtaráin. President Macron made a oneday visit to Ireland, and was welcomed to the country by the President and Sabina. Following the welcome ceremony, the two Heads of State had a bilateral meeting at Áras an Uachtaráin, followed by a meeting with a number of prominent writers and thinkers. Topics discussed included the climate crisis and a number of other global issues including the situation in Afghanistan, Ethiopia and Haiti. The meeting builds on the very close and positive bilateral relationship between the two countries, a partnership based on the shared European values of tolerance, respect for human rights and a commitment to multilateral cooperation. President Higgins stressed his support for a social Europe, and the need to develop new connections between economics, ethics and ecology. In the evening, President and Sabina Higgins hosted a working dinner in honour of the French President.
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Performance of Laethanta Sona on Inis Oirr
Visit by Prince Albert II of Monaco
On 31 August, President Higgins and Sabina travelled to Inis Oírr, for a performance of Laethanta Sona (Happy Days), staged on the island as part of the Galway International Arts Festival.
On 3 September, the President and Sabina Higgins welcomed HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco to Áras an Uachtaráin.
The play, directed by Sarah Jane Scaife and translated into Irish by Mícheál Ó Chongaile, was performed at Chreig an Staic on Inis Oírr, the smallest of the Aran Islands off the coast of County Galway.
(LtoR) Chloe Ní Mháille (Bainisteoir Comhair Chaomháin Co-op), Sarah-Jane Scaife (Director of Laethanta Sona), President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins and Ciarán Ó Conghaile (Cathaoirleach an Co-op). Image courtesy of Cormac Coyne of Company SJ
The visit took place 60 years after the visit by the Prince’s parents, Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly, in 1961. The Prince is a regular visitor to Ireland, travelling with his mother in 1961, 1976 and 1979. He has also visited Ireland as Head of State on a number of occasions, including informal visits in 2017 and 2019 and a State Visit in 2011.
Sabina Higgins, President Michael D. Higgins and HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco
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16th meeting of the Arraiolos Group of EU Presidents - Quirinal Palace, Rome At the invitation of the President of the Italian Republic, H.E. Sergio Mattarella, President Higgins participated in a meeting of the ‘Arraiolos Group’ of non-executive EU Presidents on 15 September in the Quirinal Palace in Rome. The Arraiolos Group is composed of 15 non-executive Presidents who meet annually to discuss contemporary issues. Meeting once a year, the Group, named after the Portuguese town where the first meeting took place in 2003, provides a political forum for the Presidents of parliamentary republics in the EU to consider responses to the challenges facing their societies, and to promote the principles of multilateralism. At the September 2021 meeting, the Heads of State reflected on European cooperation in the face of global challenges, including the economic changes needed post-Covid and the Future of Europe discussion. In a statement after the meeting, President Higgins highlighted that the peoples of Europe continue to seek a vision of a Europe that transcends borders and lines of division; a Europe that celebrates diversity, that embraces a respectful and sustainable relationship with our natural environment, and a form of economy that delivers on a promise of sustainability.
‘Arraiolos Group’ of non-executive EU Presidents
Visit to United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation On 16 September, President Higgins visited the headquarters of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). In the context of Ireland’s role at the UN Security Council and the upcoming UN Food Systems Summit, President Higgins met with the DirectorGeneral of the FAO, Mr. Qu Dongyu.
Drawing on the strength of reason in the European tradition, he urged the European institutions to also respond in the language of the heart, and consider values such as care, solidarity, compassion, and kindness. Speaking in the context of Covid vaccinations, the President also emphasised the importance of transferring capacity to protect people in Africa from pandemics, and the need to transfer science and technology in a way that will enable our neighbours to achieve sustainability.
President Michael D. Higgins and Mr. Qu Dongyu (Director General of the FAO)
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Meeting with His Holiness Pope Francis On 17 September, President Higgins met with His Holiness Pope Francis in a private audience in the Vatican. During the talks, various matters of mutual interest were discussed, such as migration and the protection of the environment, with particular attention to the prospects of the 26th United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP26). There was also a joint reflection on the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic and the future of Europe, as well as the strengthening of the peace process in Ireland. This was the fourth meeting between the two leaders. The President presented His Holiness with a special ‘Fisherman’s Stick’ made on Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands, one of the most Westerly points of Europe. The stick, made by artist Lochlainn Cullen, is made of blackthorn wood, grown and crafted on the island, and adorned with cotton knots. The knots are arranged in a spiral called ‘St Mary’s Hitch’, consisting of three strands which are interwoven into one, representing the divine trinity. When the President met Pope Francis in May 2017, he presented the Pope with a Climate Bell. The bell, made by the Irish artist Vivienne Roche, sounds a symbolic warning about the threats of climate change. Both the Pope and the President have repeatedly expressed their urgent concern about this issue.
President Michael D. Higgins presents His Holiness Pope Francis with a special ‘Fisherman’s Stick’ made on the Island of Inis Mór
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Address to High-Level Side Event on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) As part of his participation in the annual United Nations General Assembly week, President Higgins addressed a UN event on Small Island Developing States on 24 September. In his address, the President highlighted that Small Island States are amongst those most exposed to two of the great challenges of our time: Covid-19 as well as the existential threat that is posed by climate change. He stated that “It is a profound injustice that those countries suffering the greatest human and economic impact of the pandemic and climate change happen to be those least responsible for the carbon emissions that threaten their existence”, and suggested that with sufficient political will, we can ensure that fairness, equity and the right of all people to a sustainable future are embedded in global structures, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. Given their unique environmental and developmental needs, Small Island Developing States are recognised by the UN as a special category of countries, facing unique social, economic and environmental challenges and requiring targeted measures of support.
‘Closing the Revolving Door’ conference on the over-representation of Travellers in the prison system President Higgins addressed the “Closing the Revolving Door” conference on 5 October, which focused on the over-representation of Travellers in the Irish prison system. The conference brings together Travellers, Traveller activists, policymakers, and staff in the Irish Prison Service, Probation Service and other agencies with a remit across all stages of the criminal justice system.
Image courtesy of The Irish Prison Services
President Higgins has taken a particular interest in this group of states, addressing a number of events and meeting with representatives of the SIDS group of nations.
President Michael D. Higgins addresses the High-Level Side Event on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) 33 2021 & 2022 IN REVIEW
PDFORRA Annual Delegate Conference On 6 October, President Higgins addressed the annual delegate conference of PDFORRA, the representative body for enlisted personnel in the Defence Forces. The President commended the body for its work in representing its members since its establishment and drew attention to the importance of ensuring the Defence Forces is an inclusive organisation for women.
In his address, the President said: “There can be no doubt that the degrading, discriminatory and sometimes violent treatment meted out to female members, or indeed any member, of the Defence Forces is shameful, besmirching not only the history of our Defence Forces, but the history of a nation that claims to be a democracy. Such actions too, become all the more heinous when rank is abused. We should be well aware now what horrific consequences can unfold when any member of a society or organisation seems to assert that they are holders of some superior rights or entitlements, such as would confer an immunity from the laws of the State. Strategies, and impunity or evasion, that allow any belittling and demeaning those who are of a different gender, religion or ethnic background than the prevailing majority have no place in any organisation in a Democracy. On such matters there should be no alternative process to the vindication of basic rights and State law, or any process that seeks to be superior to the law derived from the Constitution to which we should all adhere. It is vitally important that our Defence Forces be inclusive places for men and women, work places which accord to each and every member the dignity and respect that defines a truly ethical workplace, and that enables them to have the confidence to know that their talents and contribution are recognised and that false barriers are not erected on the basis of any perceived differences. I know that this atmosphere is one that you, with others, seek.”
President Michael D. Higgins speaking at PDFORRA. Image courtesy of Gordon Kinsella of Cork Photography
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Mr. Justice Donal O’Donnell, Paul Gallagher, Attorney General, President Michael D. Higgins, Heather Humphreys T.D., Minister for Justice, Micheál Martin T.D., An Taoiseach and Martin Fraser, Secretary General Department of the Taoiseach
Appointment of new Chief Justice
Presentation of Seán Ó Riada Gold Medal
On 11 October, in accordance with Article 35.1 of the Constitution, President Higgins appointed Mr. Justice Donal O’Donnell as Chief Justice at a ceremony at Áras an Uachtaráin.
President Michael D. Higgins presented the Seán Ó Riada Gold Medal to piper Colm Broderick from Carlow and harper Fionnuala Donlon from Dundalk, Co. Louth, at a special ceremony in Áras an Uachtaráin on 12 October. The fiftieth anniversary of the death of musician and composer Seán Ó Riada occurred in October, 2021 and the ceremony was held in recognition of his invaluable legacy, and also to acknowledge the very challenging circumstances faced by musicians and those in the arts world during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr. Justice Donal O’Donnell was born in Belfast and educated at St Mary’s C.B.S., University College Dublin (B.C.L.), The Honorable Society of King’s Inns (B.L.) and the University of Virginia (LL.M). Mr. Justice O’Donnell was called to the Bar of Ireland in 1982, commenced practice in 1983 and was called to the Bar of Northern Ireland in 1989. In 1995, he was appointed a Senior Counsel and has practised in all of the Courts of Ireland, in the Court of Justice of the European Union (C.J.E.U.) and in the European Court of Human Rights (E.Ct.HR). He was a member of the Law Reform Commission from 2005 to 2012. In 2009, he became a Bencher of the Honourable Society of King’s Inns. Mr. Justice O’Donnell was appointed a judge of the Supreme Court in 2010.
Colm Broderick, President Michael D. Higgins and Fionnuala Donlon 35 2021 & 2022 IN REVIEW
Irish Craft Heroes Exhibition On 14 October, the President and Sabina Higgins attended the Irish Craft Heroes Exhibition at Dublin Castle. The event was part of the World Crafts Council Europe General Assembly and marked the 50th anniversary of Design and Crafts Council Ireland. At the event, a lifetime achievement award was presented to renowned basket maker Joe Hogan.
President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins and Cara Murphy, Silversmith. Image courtesy of Leon Farrell
Remembering the victims of the Holocaust In memory of the child victims of the Holocaust, children from 6th class in Hansfield Educate Together National School planted a yellow crocus garden at Áras an Uachtaráin on 14 October in the presence of Sabina Higgins, Holocaust survivors Suzi Diamond and Tomi Reichental, and third generation survivor Caryna Camerino.
Sabina Higgins and children from 6th class Hansfield Educate together National School and Holocaust Survivors
The Crocus Project is an Irish initiative in which Holocaust Education Trust Ireland (HETI) provides yellow crocus bulbs for young people and school pupils aged ten years and over to plant in memory of the 1.5 million Jewish children who died in the Holocaust, and the thousands of other children who were victims of Nazi atrocities. The yellow flowers recall the yellow Stars of David that Jews were forced to wear under Nazi rule. The crocus blooms at the end of January, about the time of international Holocaust Memorial Day (27 January). The flowers were planted close to the “Pieta” statue in the grounds of Áras an Uachtaráin. The statue was gifted by the Italian people, in thanks for Irish emergency aid following the Second World War.
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175th anniversary session of the Statistical and Social Inquiry Society of Ireland On 21 October, President Higgins hosted a session of the Statistical and Social Inquiry Society of Ireland at Áras an Uachtaráin as part of the society’s 175th anniversary. The event included an address by the society’s president Danny McCoy, as well as responses from President Higgins and Dr Marie Donnelly, chair of the Climate Change Advisory Council. During his address, President Higgins said: “Multilateral Bodies seem to have accepted that we need a fundamental and radical paradigm shift, not just in relation to economics, but in terms of our very way of living. New ideas are, thus, now required and, even more, their communication to citizens – ideas based on equality, universal public services, equity of access, sufficiency, sustainability.
New ideas are fortunately available in the form of practicable suggestion for an alternative paradigm of social economy within ecological responsibility, but they must find their way on to the public street”… “Students are entitled not only to pluralism in what is taught, but to be able to find intellectual and practical fulfilment in the engagement with ideas, ideas that will in turn be an influence on the options in advocated policy and their life contribution”… “As to the new paradigm, consideration of a new ecological-social paradigm, based on economic heterodoxy, recognises the importance of resiliency, the limits of the world’s natural resources, as well as acknowledging the role that unrestrained greed has played in creating the climate crisis.”
President Michael D. Higgins and Danny McCoy
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State visit by Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of Germany to Ireland On 27 October, H.E. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, undertook a three-day State Visit to Ireland accompanied by his wife Elke Büdenbender, at the invitation of President Higgins. The State Visit follows on from the President’s State Visit to Germany, in July 2019, when the President visited four German states, including the federal capital Berlin, Frankfurt in Hesse, Würzburg in Bavaria and Leipzig in Saxony.
Sabina Higgins, President Michael D. Higgins, H.E. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany and Ms. Elke Büdenbender
H.E. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Ms. Elke Büdenbender, Sabina Higgins and President Michael D. Higgins. Image courtesy of Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa/ Alamy Live News
Following a ceremonial welcome, a bilateral meeting took place between the two Heads of State. After the meeting, President Steinmeier rang the Peace Bell and planted an Irish Oak tree in the grounds of Áras an Uachtaráin. At their meeting, President Higgins highlighted the strong ties - historical, cultural, economic and of friendship - that link the two countries and their peoples. Among the topics that the two Presidents discussed were: •
the post-COVID adjustment in Europe and the global vaccination programme, particularly in Africa and the developing world;
•
the Future of Europe and the need for greater social cohesion and dialogue;
•
further developing educational and cultural links between the two countries;
•
climate change and the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference;
•
current threats to global peace, the importance of multilateralism and the role of the State;
•
The issue of protecting and promoting regional languages within the European Union was of particular interest in the discussions.
President Steinmeier and Ms. Büdenbender returned to Áras an Uachtaráin for a State Dinner in their honour, hosted by the President and Sabina Higgins. The President and Sabina also accompanied them on a number of engagements in Dublin, Galway and Limerick over the course of their State Visit. On 29 October, the President and Sabina Higgins joined President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Büdenbender on a visit to the set of Ros na Rún in Spiddal, Co. Galway. The Presidents received a tour of the set and viewed a short acting performance as well as receiving presentations from Údarás na Gaeltachta and TG4. The weekend marked TG4’s 25th anniversary, having launched on 31 October 1996.
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Centenary Anniversary of the Connaught Rangers Mutiny
Launch of mural to mark 50th anniversary of Down Syndrome Ireland
On 2 November, President Higgins delivered the keynote address at an event in Tubbercurry Town Square, Sligo, to mark the Centenary Anniversary of the Connaught Rangers’ Mutiny. On the 28 June 1920, a company of the Connaught Rangers, stationed at Jullundur on the plains of the Punjab in India, refused to perform their military duties as a protest against martial law, oppression and the atrocities of the British Army in Ireland. The event to mark the centenary was postponed until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On 2 November, the President and Sabina Higgins attended the official launch of a mural in Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo, by Down Syndrome Ireland’s Sligo branch to mark the 50th anniversary of Down Syndrome Ireland. The mural features the image of two people of different generations with Down syndrome. The mural entitled ‘Embrace Diversity’ was created by local artist Damien Moran.
The President said: “Our event here in Tubbercurry is an important event, marking as it does the centenary of the Connaught Rangers’ Mutiny. As we formally unveil this memorial stone, bearing as it does the four names of the famous mutineers, we recall their courage, their principled response to news of the abuse of their fellow Irish as they served the Empire far away from home in Ireland.“… And it is very interesting, I think the historical memories of the 1920 mutiny illuminate not only the politics of commemoration in a later independent Ireland, but they also reflect what was shared in both the experience of imperialism and indeed antiimperial relationships by such countries as India, South Africa and many others. And all these issues really pose questions as to the uses of memory, as we make the movement from recollection to collective purpose and indeed iconic invocation.”
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins with members of Down Syndrome Ireland. Image courtesy of James Connolly Photography, Sligo
President Michael D. Higgins. Image courtesy of Sligo County Council 39 2021 & 2022 IN REVIEW
President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins and Actors. Image courtesy of Mark Stedman Photography
Tribute to Tom Murphy On 4 November, the President and Sabina Higgins met the senior and participant actors in Conversations on a Playwright - a series of acting masterclasses, talks and events about the plays of Tom Murphy, which took place at the Lir Academy from 1st-5th November 2021 and presented by Tom Murphy’s wife Jane Brennan. The President addressed and attended a session on music in the plays of Tom Murphy that included a concert of music given by pianist Conor Linehan and tenor Andrew Gavin. Tom Murphy, who sadly passed away on Tuesday, 15 May 2018, was an Irish dramatist who worked closely with the Abbey Theatre in Dublin and with Druid Theatre, Galway. He was born in County Galway and later lived in Dublin. His works include: A Whistle in the Dark, The Sanctuary Lamp, Famine, The Gigli Concert and Conversations on a Homecoming.
Speaking at the event, President Higgins said of Tom that: “His themes were not only those which had influenced the very essence of Irishness, emigration, famine and loss - they were universal in their reach. From the early beginnings of his writings in Tuam, Tom Murphy produced a unique and often provocative body of work. He was above all, the great playwright of the emigrant, more than anyone capturing, in a poignant, creative way, the transience that is at the heart of the emigrant experience.” I had the pleasure of presenting Tom with the Aosdána Torc in his home in 2017, a great acknowledgement by his contemporaries of his outstanding abilities as a writer.”
Courtesy Call by Dr Connal Parr On 26 November, President Higgins received Dr Connal Parr, Lecturer in History, Northumbria University, on a courtesy call at Áras an Uachtaráin. Dr Parr presented the President with a copy of his book, ‘Inventing the Myth: Political Passions and the Ulster Protestant Imagination’. President Michael D. Higgins and Dr Connal Parr 40 2021 & 2022 IN REVIEW
Presidential Distinguished Service Awards At a ceremony in Áras an Uachtaráin on 2 December, President Michael D. Higgins presented the 2020 and 2021 Presidential Distinguished Service Awards (no ceremony took place in 2020 due to the public health restrictions in place to combat the COVID-19 pandemic). The Awards are presented by the President each 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 Michael D. Higgins in 2012. The Awardees for 2021 were: Arts, Culture and Sport •
Susan Feldman (USA)
•
Roy Foster (Britain)
•
Br. Colm O’Connell (Kenya)
Business and Education •
Sr. Orla Treacy (South Sudan)
Charitable Works •
Doreen Nanibaa McPaul (USA)
•
Phyllis Morgan-Fann (Britain)
•
Jim O’Hara (Britain)
Irish Community Support •
Adrian Flannelly (USA)
•
Billy Lawless (USA)
Peace, Reconciliation & Development •
Bridget Brownlow (Canada)
Science, Technology & Innovation •
Susan Hopkins (Britain)
The Awardees for 2020 were: Arts, Culture and Sport •
Jack Charlton (deceased - Britain)
•
James W. Flannery (US)
•
Mitsuko Ohno (Japan)
•
Fiona Shaw (Britain)
Business and Education •
Michael J. Dowling (US)
Charitable Works •
Sr. Louise Horgan (Thailand)
•
Alice Kennedy (deceased – Britain)
•
Dermot O’Leary (Britain)
Irish Community Support •
Loretta Cosgrove (Australia)
Peace, Reconciliation and Development •
William Duncan (The Netherlands)
•
Sr. Patricia Murray (Italy)
•
Fr. Kevin O’Hara (Nigeria)
Science, Technology and Innovation •
Michael Ryan (Switzerland)
•
Dennis J. Slamon (US)
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Courtesy call by John Cameron On 15 December, Mr. John Cameron presented President Michael D. Higgins with a copy of his book ‘Boy 11963: An Irish Industrial School Childhood and an Extraordinary Search for Home’ at Áras an Uachtaráin. At only five months old, John was abandoned in a Dublin orphanage, and fostered out as a child labourer by age three. In 1944 when he turned eight, he was incarcerated in Artane Industrial School, where he became boy 11963. Boy 11963 is a unique account of his experiences, Mr. Cameron sadly passed away on Monday, 15 August 2022. RIP.
President Michael D. Higgins, Mr. John Cameron and Mrs. Cameron
Warrant of Pardon for Mr. John Twiss President Higgins signed a Presidential Pardon at an event in Áras an Uachtaráin on 16 December for Mr. John Twiss, who was executed in Cork Prison on 9 February 1895. In line with articles 13.6 and 13.9 of the Constitution, the pardon was granted following a recommendation by Government, which took account of a report by Dr Niamh Howlin which found that the nature and extent of the evidence against Mr. Twiss could not safely support a guilty verdict.
President Michael D. Higgins and Helen McEntee, T.D., Minister for Justice
The ceremony was attended by the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD. Also in attendance was Ms. Helen O’Connor, great grandniece of Mr. Twiss, and her family as well as members of the Michael O’Donohoe Memorial Project, a group based in Kerry who have raised awareness of the case and worked with the Department of Justice on the pardon process. This Presidential Pardon was only the sixth such pardon to be granted and the third posthumous pardon. It is just the second occasion on which a pardon has been granted for a case predating the establishment of the State, following the pardon which was awarded by President Higgins to Maolra Seoighe (Myles Joyce) in 2018.
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President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina with some members of the Frontline Choir, conducted by David Brophy
Tree Lighting Each year at the beginning of December, President and Sabina Higgins host a special turning on of the Christmas Tree Lights at Áras an Uachtaráin. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, a limited outdoor event was held on 12 December, 2021 with some members from the Frontline Choir singing carols conducted by David Brophy. The President thanked them and all their colleagues with the warmest gratitude for all they have offered, so generously, for the greater good throughout this most difficult chapter of our shared lives. Their sacrifices, dedicated work and remarkable spirit of solidarity are greatly appreciated by the people of Ireland.
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A YEAR IN REVIEW 2022
Dr Michael Ryan, President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins
President Michael D. Higgins received Dr Michael Ryan, Executive Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Health Emergencies Programme On 5 January, President and Sabina Higgins received Dr Michael Ryan, Executive Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Health Emergencies Programme, at a courtesy call in Áras an Uachtaráin. President Higgins presented Dr Ryan with a Presidential Distinguished Service Award, in recognition of his enormous service to global public
health over the course of a number of decades. Dr Ryan had been due to receive the award, which recognises the contribution of members of the Irish diaspora, at a ceremony in the Áras on 2 December 2021, where the 2020 and 2021 recipients received their awards, however he was not able to attend on that occasion due to his ongoing work with the WHO. At their meeting, Dr Ryan briefed President Higgins on the WHO’s work to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and discussed the importance of equitable vaccine access. He thanked the President for offering his support towards achieving the important principle of universal access to COVID-19 vaccines.
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In a statement following the courtesy call, President Higgins said:
President hosts reception remembering the 1921 Treaty Negotiations
“I was delighted to have the opportunity to meet with Dr Mike Ryan and to present him with his Presidential Distinguished Service Award. Dr Ryan has rendered an enormous service to global public health over many decades and in doing so has raised the reputation and standing of Ireland. His global leadership on this issue has made all Irish people proud, in the best possible form of contribution to global health without borders.
On 16 January, President Higgins hosted an event in Áras an Uachtaráin for descendants of the Irish men and women who represented Dáil Éireann at the Treaty negotiations in London in 1921.
Dr Ryan has exhibited extraordinary resolve and focus, promoting the adoption of original, comprehensive and carefully planned strategies to suppress the spread of the COVID-19 virus, while balancing the need to ensure the protection of livelihoods and human rights. He has consistently advocated for the sharing of knowledge and technology with those who have least access to them, especially in the developing world. At today’s meeting we discussed our serious concerns regarding the importance of achieving universal and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines throughout the world.
While Arthur Griffith, Michael Collins, Robert Childers Barton, Eamonn Duggan and George Gavan Duffy are well-known names, many of those in the wider delegation appointed by the Dáil have not received the attention they deserve in the period’s historiography. This includes, for instance, five women - Katherine McKenna, Elizabeth (Lily) O’Brennan, Gerty Conry, and the Lyons sisters, Ellie and Alice who were important members of the secretariat and formed its administrative wing. The entire Irish party including those supporting the delegation in fact numbered some 70 people. President Higgins was pleased to receive their descendants at Áras an Uachtaráin to mark the centenary of their work.
If we could succeed in working together to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic, it will of course provide important models for the international cooperation which will be required to overcome the other great challenges facing the world, including in ecology, climate and the environment.”
President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins with descendants of Michael Collins, Robert Barton, Kathleen McKenna, Seán Milroy, Tim Smiddy, Diarmaid Fawsitt, Fionan Lynch, Bridget Mary Lynch (nee Slattery) and Ned Broy.
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Speaking at the event, President Higgins said: “The agreement that was signed in London on 6 December 1921, by representatives of the British government and five representatives of the Irish Republic, was an agreement that had the profoundest of consequences for Ireland and its people, at the time, and for generations to come.”…
President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins with relatives of those who negotiated the Treaty
“What a monumental moment in our nation’s history the Treaty negotiations constitute. There can be little doubt that those who represented Dáil Éireann at the negotiations all had the most honourable intentions, were concerned to interpret what could not be anticipated in terms of a definitive mandate, and did their very best in an extremely challenging context.”
President attends State Commemoration for the Handover of Dublin Castle Also on 16 January, the President unveiled a new plaque during a State Commemoration marking 100 years since the transfer of Dublin Castle. The day marked 100 years since eight members of the Provisional Government, led by Michael Collins, arrived in Dublin Castle to receive its handover from the last Viceroy of Ireland, Lord FitzAlan-Howard.
President Michael D. Higgins unveils a plaque in the Upper Courtyard of Dublin Castle
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President Higgins addresses Bloody Sunday 50th Anniversary Commemorations On 30 January, a video address by President Higgins was played at ‘Beyond the Silence’, at an event held at the Millennium Forum in Derry to mark the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. In his message, the President said: “Fifty years ago today, in one of the shaping events of our modern shared history, thousands of men and women set out from the Creggan to march for civil rights. Fourteen people ultimately lost their lives, and many more were injured, as a result of what unfolded on the streets of Derry that day. As we listen to their names being recited with deep sadness today, we remember them, and those tragic events, not simply as history on a page, but as part of the living memory of so many of the people of this city, and indeed of this island. Just as the families of those lost that day have done throughout their long years of campaigning, we remember too all of the families who lost loved ones to violence during the Troubles.
“The 30th of January 1972 will live on in our collective memory as will your efforts of vindication of the truth. We honour the morality of that memory today. We honour those who died. And we continue to honour them into the future by our continued commitment to the rights that were won at such great cost. We do so best by protecting these rights won, and sustaining the principled and inclusive peace that we have built together. Let us all celebrate that, in transcending all the darkness and the wrongs, the exclusions, today Derry stands as a beacon of hope and justice, of battling and succeeding against the odds, a peace and a people with an inclusive achievement of dignified and respectful ethical remembering. That is your legacy and the legacy of those who lost their lives on that day, Bloody Sunday, and on subsequent days. It is a contribution to be sustained and extended. Do íad a mharaíodh, ar dheis lámh Dé go raibh a n-anamacha dílse. May they rest in peace. Beir Beannacht d’on todchaí.”
Let me pay tribute to those who have made, and continue to make it possible, for us to stand in this ceremony of memory and solidarity with you today, the families and neighbours of those who lost their lives in Derry all those years ago, those who, in a relentless pursuit of truth, stood in solidarity with you during your long campaign to vindicate the memories of your loved ones.”…
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A candle lit at Áras an Uachtaráin to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day
The National Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration On 30 January, President Higgins delivered an address at the National Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration in the Mansion House, Dublin. The National Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration takes place in Dublin every year on the Sunday nearest to the 27 of January. Irish Holocaust survivors and their families gathered in the Round Room at the Mansion House to remember six million Jewish people and millions of others who were persecuted and murdered. Holocaust survivors Suzi Diamond, Tomi Reichental and Joe Veselsky attended the commemoration. In his keynote address, the President said: “As we reflect with solemnity on this dark chapter of our shared European history, a number of
important questions arise. How should we best remember the Holocaust in an ethical manner? How can we ensure that its history is not forgotten? Ask ourselves as to what extent can any memorial, other than to convert our commitment to never forget into a commitment to end hate speech? What can best assist us in truly comprehending the experiences of victims of the Holocaust? It is important as to how we symbolise the enormity of the atrocity that is the Holocaust, the vast number of its victims, while still honouring each unique life that was lost — the schoolchild, the brother, the aunt, the shopkeeper, the chemist — all of this must challenge us. Questions such as how can the Jewish people and all the minorities sent to the camps in the Holocaust be represented inclusively and recalled appropriately? I suggest that these are all important questions that can benefit from ongoing consideration and public discussion.”
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Saíocht poetry and music event On 28 January, the President attended the Saíocht poetry and music event as part of Temple Bar TradFest. Hosted by actor and Tradfest Patron Stephen Rea, and featuring poets Natalya O’Flaherty and Sasha Terfous, together with traditional musicians Louise Mulcahy, Michelle Mulcahy and Neil Martin, the event explored the artistic relationship between the Irish literary tradition and Irish traditional music.
President and Sabina Higgins attend the opening of “Walking with Ghosts” by Gabriel Byrne On 1 February, the President and Sabina Higgins attended the world premiere of Gabriel Byrne’s ‘Walking with Ghosts’ at The Gaiety Theatre.
President Michael D. Higgins and Stephen Rea, Natalya O’Flaherty, Sasha Terfous, Louise Mulcahy, Michelle Mulcahy, Neil Martin and Gabriel Rosenstock
Walking with Ghosts, a memoir by Gabriel Byrne, is a story about Ireland and exile, and of carrying the ghosts of family and home through time.
President Michael D. Higgins, Gabriel Byrne and Sabina Higgins. Image courtesy of Landmark Productions 49 2021 & 2022 IN REVIEW
President Higgins attends a memorial event in memory of Brendan Kennelly On 3 February, President Higgins attended a memorial event in the Exam Hall of Trinity College Dublin in memory of the late poet, novelist and academic Brendan Kennelly. The President addressed the event, which also featured memories from family and friends of Brendan. President Higgins issued the following statement upon Brendan Kennelly’s death on 17 October 2021: “As one of those who had the great fortune of enjoying the gift of friendship with Brendan Kennelly for many years, it is with great sadness that I have heard of his passing. As a poet, Brendan Kennelly had forged a special place in the affections of the Irish people. He brought so much resonance, insight, and the revelation of the joy of intimacy to the performance of his poems and to gatherings in so many parts of Ireland. He did so with a special charm, wit, energy and passion.
Delivered from the flux of transacted life, ordinary words of the everyday had their beauty revealed for audiences and, in their recovery, the public shared life being celebrated. Brendan’s poetry is infused with the details and texture of life, its contradictions and moments of celebration including the wry experiences of football and politics. With more than 30 collections, he leaves a major body of work, a legacy of teaching as Professor of Modern Literature at Trinity College Dublin, and the gratitude of so many younger poets whom he encouraged with honest and helpful critical advice. In the plays and poems that engaged the Classical world, Brendan sought to interrogate the inner lives of figures from myth and history and to connect their torment to the sense of loss that endured into contemporary memory and experience.
President Higgins pictured with the late Brendan Kennelly in 2017 50 2021 & 2022 IN REVIEW
He was a ballad-maker invoking an ancient craft of balladry but bringing to it his special lyrical endowments. This reconstruction of motive and struggle was something he brought to villains as well as heroes, be it Cromwell, Judas or other figures of history as they struggle with conscience or the legacy of their actions in unremitting memory. Brendan Kennelly engaged widely with major themes but celebrated too the humour of ‘devilment’ in intimacy and sexuality with such characters as Maloney in his ‘Up and At It’. He took the responsibility that he saw in the writer’s life with a sense of being asked to share what was most human, universal. He was faithful to what he saw as a gift that had been given with expectation of a delivery that would draw on all experience including that of Kerry, its people and stories.
as his wide circle of friends, all of whom treasured his presence among them, a friendship he valued. “I love you confidant, dear friend and always will, come what may.” Siochaín d’anam uasal”
President Higgins receives Ms. Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations On 4 February, the President welcomed Ms. Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group to Áras an Uachtaráin on a Courtesy Call. President Higgins previously met with the UN Deputy Secretary-General in Ireland in September 2018 at an event marking Concern’s 50th Anniversary. Prior to that, President Higgins also met with the UN Deputy Secretary-General at the United Nations during an official visit to New York in April 2018.
“A gift that took me unawares and I accepted It.” We are all so much the beneficiaries of that acceptance. When asked on his 80th birthday event in the Abbey Theatre in 2016 how he would like to be remembered, he said that he hoped people would remember his poems and remember them ‘off by heart’, for the sharing.
Ms. Amina J. Mohammed was invited to Ireland by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) to deliver the 2022 RCSI Carmichael Lecture on “Education as a Driver for Sustainable Development”.
How apt then that so many would turn to his poem ‘Begin’ and use it for comfort and compassion in our recent accounts of life in pandemic times. There are many for whom an insightful and twinkling intelligence has left us, but it will endure in the lines of the poems as he wished. Sabina and I offer our condolences to his sister Nancy, his brothers, Sean, John, Alan and Paddy, his granddaughters and the extended family as well
President Michael D. Higgins and Ms. Amina J. Mohammed
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President receives The Women of Honour and the Men and Women of Honour groups on courtesy calls at Áras an Uachtaráin President Higgins met with the Women of Honour on 9 February 2022 at Áras an Uachtaráin. The Women of Honour are a group of serving and former members of the Defence Forces who have detailed experiences of sexual assault suffered by them while in service. At their meeting, the President thanked the Women of Honour for their presentation to him and commended them for sharing their experiences with the public, which will have given citizens, women and men, courage in coming forward with reports of abuse and inappropriate behaviour. President Michael D. Higgins and Barrister Derek Ryan who represented the Men and Women of Honour Group
The President subsequently met with the Men and Women of Honour Group at Áras an Uachtaráin on 15 February.
President Michael D. Higgins and members of the Women of Honour 52 2021 & 2022 IN REVIEW
President delivers keynote address at the All-Island Women’s Forum Conference “Women’s Voices on Peacebuilding: The Unfinished Work of the Peace Process” The President visited Enniskillen on 17 February 2022 to address an important conference focusing on women’s role in peacebuilding in Northern Ireland, organised by the All-Island Women’s Forum and the National Women’s Council of Ireland. Speaking at the Conference the President said:
President Michael D. Higgins. Image courtesy of Niall Carson, PPAI
“Women’s role in peacebuilding is a crucial one, and has been throughout the ages. Throughout history, women have struggled against adversity in order to enable future generations of women and men to have a greater freedom of choice, a more inclusive and peaceful society. Though the historiography perhaps favours the warriors, monarchs, and rebels, at least in terms of the number of pages devoted to them, female pacifists and mediators were just as vital in the fight for equality. This is borne out in the peacebuilding movements across the island of Ireland and globally.”…
“The legacy of the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition is a profoundly positive and tangible one. The Coalition successfully introduced amendments to the Good Friday Agreement on mixed housing, the inclusion of women in public life, special initiatives for young people affected by the conflict, recognition of the links between reconciliation and mixed housing and integrated education, and the promotion of a culture of tolerance. The Coalition also advocated the creation of a Civic Forum for Northern Ireland, which was included in the Agreement and established in 2000.”…
“At United Nations level, the 2030 Agenda and the related Sustainable Development Goals – our collective blueprint for a more inclusive and sustainable world – make specific mention of women’s role in participation and peacebuilding in Goal 5 on Gender Equality: “Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.” The Goal also recognises women’s critical role in the creation of peaceful societies and in the participation of peacekeeping activities.” ...
“Your conference, focusing, as it does, on an allisland peace approach, is such an important contribution to the ongoing peacebuilding discourse on this island.”
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins with members of the National Women’s Council. Image courtesy of Niall Carson, PPAI
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President and Sabina Higgins visit Inniskillings Museum
President and Sabina Higgins visit Waterways Ireland Headquarters
On 18 February, the President and Sabina Higgins visited the Inniskillings Museum at Enniskillen Castle. They were the first official visitors following 700 days of the museum being closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On 18 February, President and Sabina Higgins visited the headquarters of Waterways Ireland in Eniskillen.
During their visit, the President and Sabina received a tour of the museum, detailing the history of the Castle and Museum galleries, including exhibitions on the birth of the regiments in 1689, the Napoleonic Wars and Battle of Waterloo, the Militia Regiments, regimental music, the Boer War, the First World War, the Second World War, post-war deployments and regimental amalgamations.
President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins, Neil Armstrong, Museum Curator-Manager and Mark Scott, Museum Volunteer and ex chair of Museum Trustees. Image courtesy of Ronan McGrade Photography
The President was briefed on the organisation’s work by chief executive John McDonagh and met with a number of personnel. The President was also shown a display of waterways-related artefacts from Waterway Ireland’s archive, with Waterways Ireland archivist Nuala Reilly giving the President and Mrs Higgins a brief history of each item. The items included a 1700’s drawing of Dublin, a bolinder enginer and images of the canals under construction as well as Waterways Ireland’s digital archive. The digital archive, which was launched in 2021, provides global access to more than 3,000 drawings, sketches, maps, artefacts, and records of Ireland’s inland waterways. Waterways Ireland is a cross-border body accountable to the North South Ministerial Council under the 1998 British-Irish Agreement. The organisation is headquartered in Enniskillen and has satellite offices in Dublin, Carrick-on-Shannon, and Scarriff. Its 340 staff are deployed across the management, maintenance, development and promotion of over 1,000kms of inland navigable waterways. President Higgins had responsibility for inland waterways as Minster for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands in the 1990s.
President Michael D. Higgins and John McDonagh, Chief Executive, Waterways Ireland. Image courtesy of Mark Stedman Photography 54 2021 & 2022 IN REVIEW
President Michael D. Higgins at the Clonmult centenary monument
President unveils memorial marking the Centenary Commemoration of the Clonmult Ambush On 20 February, President Higgins officially opened a centenary monument at the site of the Clonmult ambush, on the 101st anniversary of the event. The ambush saw the biggest single loss of lives the IRA suffered in any engagement with British Crown Forces during the entirety of the War of Independence. Speaking at the event, the President said: “The death and destruction unleashed by the War of Independence, illustrates how the forms of violence in conflict imitates what is known and internalised as violence, how violence has a brutalising effect, and produces extremes of further new forms of violence that are no longer within the control of the original instigators, a violence too sometimes characterised by a decidedly economic dimension, and in the case of both the War of Independence and the Civil War, as recent research shows, had a gender component in specific circumstances.
Both guerrilla warfare and reprisals saw a loss of life and widespread destruction of homesteads that extended into the civilian sphere, into the lives of those not directly involved. Today, we explore this past, not to air inherited grievances or seek justification for injustices perpetrated against us or atrocities inflicted in our name. Contrasting atrocities is futile and, in its being selective, indeed evasive, can be amoral. An act of ethical commemoration requires more. It must respect fact and context and then move on, free to live the present and its new challenges, envisage a future that is inclusive of all. It must be recognised, however painful that it is, and be inclusive. There are areas which up to now have their details hidden.” … “Allowing ourselves to be open to the perspectives of others as to their difference or learned versions or rationalisations provides the possibility of hope to extricate ourselves from the grip of any uncritical, simplistic version of our complex story. It enables a deeper collective understanding that frees us for a shared inclusive future.”
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President attends Conradh na Gaeilge’s ArdFheis [D’fhreastail an tUachtarán ar ArdFheis Chonradh na Gaeilge] On 26 February, Niall Comer presented the President’s Award of Conradh na Gaeilge to President Michael D. Higgins at the Conradh na Gaeilge Ard Fheis in Galway. [Ar 26 Feabhra, bhronn Niall Comer Gradam Uachtarán Chonradh na Gaeilge ar an Uachtarán Micheál D. Ó hUigínn ag Ard Fheis Chonradh na Gaeilge i nGaillimh]
The President said [Dúirt an tUachtarán]: “Is onóir agus pribhléid ar leith dom glacadh le Gradam an Uachtaráin de chuid Chonradh na Gaeilge a bhronntar as fís agus fealsúnacht mo réamhtheachtaí mar Uachtarán na hÉireann, Dubhghlas de hÍde a chur chun cinn. Cuimhnítear ar Dhubhghlas de hÍde mar Uachtarán a rinne ionadaíocht ar son a thíre le dínit agus faoi chroí mór. Cuimhnítear freisin air, ar ndóigh, as a phaisean cáiliúil agus inspioráideach i leith na Gaeilge - paisean a mbeadh bunú Chonradh na Gaeilge ina thoradh air agus a raibh sé ina Uachtarán air ó 1893 go 1915.
Julian de Spáinn, Secretary General of Conradh na Gaeilge, Dr Niall Comer, Conradh na Gaeilge, Paula Melvin, President of Conradh na Gaeilge, President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins and Minister Jack Chambers. Image courtesy of Sean Lydon Photography
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[It is a great honour and privilege to accept Conradh na Gaeilge’s President’s Award which is given for furthering the vision and the philosophy of my first predecessor as President of Ireland, Douglas Hyde. Douglas Hyde is remembered as a President who represented his country with dignity and grace. He is also recalled, of course, for his legendary and inspirational passion for the Irish language – a passion that would lead to the founding of Conradh na Gaeilge of which he served as President from 1893 to 1915.] Tá áthas ar leith orm glacadh leis an ngradam sin sa bhliain inar baineadh amach cothroime iomlán don Ghaeilge le trí theanga oifigiúla is fiche an Aontais Eorpaigh, ócáid thábhachtach dóibh siúd go léir a d’oibrigh chun go dtógfadh ár dteanga dhúchais á áit chuí le teangacha eile na hEorpa. Cé gur ábhar mórtais agus tábhachta an stádas idirnáisiúnta agus an glacadh sin, ní laghdaíonn sé ar aon bhealach na dúshláin shuntasacha atá roimh ár dteanga dhúchais anseo sa bhaile. [I am particularly delighted to accept this award in the year during which the Irish language achieved full parity with the European Union’s 23 official languages, a milestone moment for all those who worked to have our native tongue take its appropriate place with the other languages of Europe. While this international status and acceptance is a matter of both pride and importance, it does not by any means reduce the significant challenges our native language faces here at home.]
Is é mo thuairimse go bhfuil dhá dhúshlán ar leith ann atá ceangailte agus ar féidir iad a aithint go héasca - maireachtáil na Gaeilge mar theanga bheo phobail inár gceantair Ghaeltachta agus a úsáid ghinearálta ar fud na tíre, ní mar chomhartha nó mar shiombail chultúrtha ócáideach ach mar theanga fheidhmiúil roghnaithe, fréamhaithe inár stair ach ina cuid thábhachtach dár dtodhchaí. [To my mind, there are two distinct but connected challenges which can readily be identified - the survival of Irish as a living community language in our Gaeltacht areas and its general usage throughout the length and breadth of the country not as a token or some occasional culture icon but as a functional language of choice, anchored in our past but very much part of our future.] Tá an dá dhúshlán sin ceangailte lena chéile - ní mhairfidh an teanga mar theanga phobail sa Ghaeltacht mura dtugtar spás sainaitheanta di i saol ár náisiúin go ginearálta; ag an am céanna ní féidir dáimh a bheith ag daoine léi ar fud an náisiúin mura bhfuil pobail ann ina labhraítear í mar teanga bheo an ghnáthshaoil. [Those two challenges are linked – the language will not survive as a community language in the Gaeltacht unless it also has a clearly defined space in the life of the nation in general; at the same time, it cannot have that national resonance unless there are communities where it is still the living language of daily life.]”
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President opens Traveller Ethnicity Day celebrations at NUI Galway President Higgins launched ‘Mincéirs Misl’d in Education: Embedding Irish Traveller Culture and History’ in celebration of Irish Traveller Ethnicity Day at the NUI Galway Access Centre on 28 February 2022. The President was pleased to meet, in particular, the vibrant group of Irish Traveller students who were studying in NUI Galway, many of whom were winners of the 1916 Bursary and University of Sanctuary Scholarships. The President was very pleased that NUI Galway agreed to name one of their academic scholarship awards in honour of Michael McDonagh, who died in 2021. Michael was a tireless campaigner for Travellers rights, a former peacekeeper, and manager of Meath Travellers Workshop which provided opportunities for Travellers to complete training courses, learn traditional skills and customs. An advocate for Traveller education in particular, but also a very dedicated advocate for Traveller recognition and rights in general, Michael is sadly missed by the many people who came to know him during his full and courageous life. The President said: “The Michael McDonagh Award for Irish Traveller Ally Excellence will be a fitting tribute that will be welcomed by all in his memory.”
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins with Irish Travellers studying in NUI Galway and members of their families. Image courtesy of Aengus McMahon Photography
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Statement by President Higgins following the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine On 1 March, President Higgins issued the following statement following the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine: “That we have returned to the terror of war, the abuse by the powerful of its neighbour, the flagrant violations of the principles the United Nations, a great sense of darkness has fallen across the world at the unfolding tragedy in Ukraine. The hearts of the Irish people go out to all of those who are suffering from this completely unacceptable, immoral and unjustified violence. Our television screens carry images of all those mothers and children crossing borders in order to flee the mayhem which is being inflicted upon them by the military forces of an invading powerful neighbour, one that is operating with total disregard for the principles of international law, and our thoughts are with those brave Ukrainian people struggling to defend their homes and country. This violence must stop. Its continuance has catastrophic consequences, yes most immediately for Ukraine, but for the entire world. Troops must be withdrawn by Russia. The rise of this imperialism and militarism must end. Full humanitarian access must be given to all civilians in need. Every glimmer of hope through diplomacy must be seized. Humanity had achieved one of its most significant acts of co-operation with the international agreements on Climate Change and the Sustainable Development Goals. Now, as we hear reports of the perilous level to which the planet has come, in some aspects near irreversible, as millions are displaced by desertification through climate change, we must not allow ourselves to be mired in militarism, while our planet burns and millions are dying of hunger.
President Michael D. Higgins with the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, Ms. Olha Stefanishyna at Áras an Uachtaráin on 3 June 2022
I call on all those inflicting this violence to reflect on that great principle that is lodged in the words of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and its affirmation that “recognition of the inherent dignity, and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family, is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world”. The price paid for what are blatant abuses of human rights principles and international law will fall on citizens on whom all of the consequences will endure in global isolation. We must support the efforts of all those who in such difficult circumstances are bravely calling for peace. These times, these events, however challenging are times for diplomacy, for multilateralism and for our international institutions. At times like these, it is essential that the peoples of the world come together and demand that the peace that is in the Charter of the United Nations remains not only an alternative to war, but where our best hopes for humanity lie. We must respond, all of us to the tiny glimmers of hope, through dialogue, which we have seen to bring this dreadful nightmare to an end and restore our shared task of peace-building, tackling global hunger, needs of nutrition, poverty and the consequences of climate change.”
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Courtesy call by UNAIDS Executive Director, Winnie Byanyima On 1 March, the President received UNAIDS Executive Director, Winnie Byanyima, on the occasion of UN Zero Discrimination Day. UNAIDS leads this global event, which calls on people everywhere to promote and celebrate diversity, tolerance and inclusion and to stand together to end discrimination. The theme of the 2022 Day was “Remove laws that harm, create laws that empower”.
(LtoR) Katharina Down, UNAIDS Executive Officer, President Michael D. Higgins, Winnie Byanyima, UNAIDS Executive Director and Charles Martin Jjuuko, UNAIDS External Relations and Donor Adviser
Ms. Byanyima thanked the President ‘for being a voice for justice and global solidarity.’
President hosts St. Patrick’s Day Reception On 17 March, President Higgins and Sabina hosted a St. Patrick’s Day reception at Áras an Uachtaráin in honour of nurses, midwives and carers.
President Michael D. Higgins addresses the St. Patrick’s Day Reception
The President and Sabina were delighted to welcome representatives of a profession whose work and contribution throughout the Coronavirus pandemic was extraordinary, recognising that the pandemic highlighted the remarkable and vital impact that nurses, midwives, carers and indeed all those who work in the healthcare sector have on our society. Earlier in the day, the President and Sabina attended the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin city centre.
President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins and Guests 60 2021 & 2022 IN REVIEW
President Higgins hosts a special ceremony “To Give Honour and Hold in Memory” those affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic On 20 March, the President and Sabina Higgins held a special Remembrance Ceremony at Áras an Uachtaráin, entitled “To Honour and Hold in Memory”, for all those who died from COVID-19, those grieving the loss of their loved ones and frontline workers. Those attending the ceremony included the Tánaiste, party leaders, the Lord Mayor of Dublin and a number of frontline workers from across the country.
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins
The President addressed the event and rung the Peace Bell five times in honour of each of the following groups: •
For those who died during COVID
•
For those who made sacrifices during COVID
•
For those who lost loved ones during COVID
•
For frontline workers
•
For those who still have COVID.
A minutes silence was observed following the ringing of the Peace Bell.
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins plant an Oak tree
As part of the ceremony, the President and Sabina planted an oak tree in the Commemorative Garden at Áras an Uachtaráin as a lasting memorial to all those who lost their lives during the pandemic.
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins ring the Peace Bell
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Courtesy call by Declan O’Rourke On 22 March, the President and Sabina Higgins received singer-songwriter and author Declan O’Rourke at Áras an Uachtaráin, who presented the President with a copy of his debut novel, “The Pawnbrokers Reward”, a work of historical fiction based around the period of An Gorta Mór.
Sabina Higgins, President Michael D. Higgins and Declan O’Rourke
President hosts reception to mark International Women’s Day On 23 March, the President and Sabina Higgins hosted a special event at Áras an Uachtaráin, bringing together a wide range of organisations to consider together what contribution they can make as a group to strengthening gender equality.
Noeline Blackwell, President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins
Amongst those attending were unions and employers, public sector bodies, sporting organisations, cultural bodies, educational institutions and student representatives, women’s groups, human rights advocates and other organisations directly supporting women. Noeline Blackwell, CEO of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, acted as moderator for the event, which was initially due to take place on International Women’s Day but had to be postponed as a result of the President and Sabina’s positive tests for COVID-19 earlier that week.
President Michael D. Higgins and Guest
The event, announced by President Higgins on St Brigid’s Day, is one of a number of actions which the President has taken since his appointment as a United Nations HeForShe Champion in 2015, in support of UN Sustainable Development Goal number 5 - to end gender-based violence. The attendees held discussions about what actions their organisations might be able to take to progress greater gender equality in society. As part of this consultative process, Noeline Blackwell asked the audience to reflect on the discussions of the day and to send back their thoughts on the issues raised.
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Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, President Michael D. Higgins and Steve Rotheram, Mayor of Liverpool City Region
President Higgins receives Mayor Steve Rotheram and Mayor Andy Burham On 28 March, the President received the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham and Mayor of Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram on a courtesy call at Áras an Uachtaráin. The two mayors were making a joint visit to Ireland aimed at strengthening trade and cooperation between the North West of England and Ireland.
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President Higgins delivers keynote address, SIPTU Biannual Conference On 29 March, President Higgins addressed the SIPTU Biannual Conference, which took place in Sligo. In his address, the President addressed some of the key challenges and opportunities facing the trade union movement and its members as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. The President also thanked SIPTU members for the essential services they provided to the public throughout the pandemic. The President said: “The pandemic has prompted a profound reassessment of how we work, where we work, even why we work, all of which has to come out of negotiation and in the design of which there must be a lead role for trade unions and their membership.”… President Michael D. Higgins addresses the SIPTU Biennial Delegate Conference in Sligo in March 2022. Image courtesy of SIPTU photographer James Connolly
“Now is the time to challenge how we think about the world of work, and technology, so that we can identify and unleash human potential and flourishing, make work and employment as satisfying and rewarding as it should be for everyone in every sector of the labour market, and protect those who, for whatever reason, are outside the basic protections and possibilities of the labour market, from falling into poverty and exclusion.”… “How we emerge from this pandemic will be vitally important to the future of workers’ rights. Let us all commit to play our part in the creation of a society that removes the obstacles standing between so many of our people and their full participation. Let us commit to valuing those heroic workers who have risked their lives and their security to support us. Let us keep defending their rights as the founders of the trade union movement did more than a century ago. There never was a more appropriate, more exciting time to be a part of the trade union movement for a future of equality, justice and sustainability, one that will carry the imprint of the trade union’s emancipatory imprint.”
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President Higgins receives Colombian Vice President and Foreign Minister, Marta Lucia Ramírez On 4 April, President Michael D. Higgins received Colombian Vice President and Foreign Minister, Marta Lucia Ramírez, on a courtesy call at Áras an Uachtaráin. At their meeting, President Higgins and Vice President Ramírez discussed bilateral relations between Ireland and Colombia and Vice President Ramírez updated President Higgins on the peace process in Colombia.
President Michael D. Higgins and Colombian Vice President and Foreign Minister, Marta Lucia Ramírez
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President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina make Official Visit to Austria President Michael D. Higgins marked his first Official Visit to Austria as Head of State on 5 April 2022. This Official Visit was at the invitation of Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, who formally welcomed President Higgins, Sabina and his delegation on 6 April in Vienna. President Higgins’ visit reciprocated the Official Visit of the then President of Austria, Dr Heinz Fischer, to Ireland in 2014.
President Michael D. Higgins and President Van der Bellen
The President held meetings with leaders at the federal and city level and also participated in a number of events, including delivering a keynote speech, “The Future of Europe – the Role of Culture”, at the University of Vienna. The President also had the opportunity of visiting a housing project, Biotope City, in Vienna. President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins visit Biotope City
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins visit Schottenstift Abbey, Austria
President Michael D. Higgins meets with the President of the Austrian National Council, Wolfgang Sobotka
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President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins at the restored Éire 6 sign
President formally launches restored “Éire 6” wartime neutrality sign On 9 April, the President paid tribute to the Éire 6 Restoration Group, which includes the local community organisations Howth Peninsula Heritage Society, Howth Pathways and Howth Writers Group, as well as the Irish Coast Guard, all of whom have been involved with the painstaking restoration of the ‘ÉIRE 6’ sign on Howth’s eastern mountain. ‘Éire 6’, a large Second World War aerial recognition marker, was intended to be visible to encroaching aircraft of the combatant powers. It is one of more than 20 surviving aerial markers that are dotted around our coastline.
The sign had become hidden by overgrown shrubbery, buried from sight and in disrepair. The concealed sign was partially revealed in 2018, and having been assessed to be still largely intact, was restored by the community. In the involvement of youth groups, clubs and local societies in its restoration, the Committee has helped promote a growing awareness among the local community of its historic significance.
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Launch of Colm Ó Briain Endowment Fund On 14 April, President Higgins attended the launch of the Colm Ó Briain Endowment Fund. The Endowment Fund was created by Colm’s family, in his memory, to support students attending the Lir Academy. Colm Ó Briain, who died in July 2020, was director of the Arts Council from 1975–1983 and was a founder member of Project ’67, a multi-arts project which later became the Project Arts Centre. He was also a founder of the National Association of Drama for Young People, worked as a director and producer with RTÉ, and was a director of plays and head of training at the Abbey Theatre. He served as Special Advisor to Michael D. Higgins during his term as Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht. Speaking during the event, the President said: “Colm Ó Briain was a man I was fortunate to have been able to call a close friend, a colleague and a comrade. While his service to the arts and its practitioners was a defining characteristic of his life, and while that generous service was a greatly distinguished one, it was the courageous breaking of ground for which Colm will be remembered, and, above all, being unafraid to push the boundaries. In so doing, he made many unique and exceptional contributions to Irish culture policy. President Michael D. Higgins and Performers. Image courtesy of Mark Stedman Photography
He was a remarkably inclusive director of the Arts Council, ensuring its remit would broaden to include younger artists and a wider range of artistic capacities. He was the source of the concept and extended the original conception of Aosdána, recognising the need not only to support those courageous individuals who embark on life as an artist, but to be enabled to do so in a way that recognised their fundamental dignity and right to self-respect.”
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President attends Easter Sunday Commemorations
President received members from the Ulster History Circle on a courtesy call
On 17 April, President Higgins laid a wreath in memory of all those who died during the Easter Rising as part of the annual 1916 Commemoration Ceremony outside the GPO on O’Connell Street, Dublin.
On 11 April, the President and Sabina Higgins received members from the Ulster History Circle on a courtesy call at Áras an Uachtaráin. The Ulster History Circle is a voluntary, not for profit organisation that places commemorative plaques in public places, in towns and villages all over Ulster, in honour of men and women who have contributed to the Province’s history. The Ulster History Circle was formed in the 1980s to fill what was believed to be a gap in the celebration of history which all can share.
President Michael D. Higgins. Image Courtesy of Government Information Services
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President and Sabina Higgins attend the TG4 Gradam Ceoil Awards; President presents ‘Ceoltóir na Bliana’ Award to Paddy Glackin TG4 Gradam Ceoil 2022 Awards ceremony took place in Dublin for the first time in the award’s history in what was the 25th year of the awards ceremony. The annual Gradam Ceoil Awards pay homage to musicians who have advanced, strengthened, and preserved traditional music in Ireland. The awards are not a competition. Instead, the recipients are chosen by an independent panel of adjudicators, and are presented with a specially commissioned piece by leading sculptor John Coll, as well as a small stipend. The President presented the Ceoltóir na Bliana 2022 award to fiddle player Paddy Glackin. For almost half a century, Paddy has made and continues to make, a significant contribution to traditional music in Ireland.
President Michael D. Higgins and Paddy Glackin, winner of the TG4 Gradam Ceoil 2022 Award. Image courtesy of TG4 and Maurice Gunning (photographer)
President Higgins receives Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Ms. Marija Pejèinoviæ Buriæ On 3 May, President Higgins received Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Ms. Marija Pejèinoviæ Buriæ, on a courtesy call at Áras an Uachtaráin ahead of the formal commencement of Ireland’s six-month Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe from May to November 2022. Founded in 1949, the Council of Europe is Europe’s oldest multilateral organisation. Ireland was one of its ten founding members and 2022 is the seventh time that Ireland has assumed the Presidency (formerly known as the Chairmanship) of the Committee of Ministers, the organisation’s executive body.
President Michael D. Higgins and Ms. Marija Pejèinoviæ Buriæ, Secretary General of the Council of Europe.
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President leads Annual Arbour Hill 1916 Commemoration Ceremony On 4 May, the President and Sabina Higgins marked the occasion of the annual State Ceremony at Arbour Hill commemorating the Easter Rising, and the executed leaders of 1916. Also in attendance were an Taoiseach, the Lord Mayor, members of the Government, members of the Oireachtas, the Council of State, the Judiciary and relatives of the leaders and relatives of others who fought in 1916.
President Michael D. Higgins at the annual Arbour Hill Commemoration
President Higgins laid a wreath in remembrance.
A Standing Stone by Imogen Stuart – Dún Laoghaire The President and Sabina Higgins unveiled a Standing Stone gifted to the people of Sandycove and the people of Dublin by one of Ireland’s foremost artists, Imogen Stuart on 6 May 2022. The President and Sabina were joined by Imogen and the Ambassador of Germany, H.E. Ambassador MeierKlodt. The President and Sabina have known Imogen for many years. Throughout that time they have become admirers, not only of her work, but of the generosity of spirit that has ensured that her beautiful sculptures have become firmly rooted in the public space to be shared by all.
Imogen Stuart and President Michael D. Higgins. Image courtesy of Peter Cavanagh Photography
Sabina Higgins, Imogen Stuart and President Michael D. Higgins. Image courtesy of Peter Cavanagh Photography 71 2021 & 2022 IN REVIEW
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins are greeted by President Vella of the Republic of Malta and First Lady Miriam Vella, San Anton Palace, Attard
State Visit to the Republic of Malta President and Sabina Higgins made a three-day State visit to Malta from 12 to 14 May at the invitation of the President of Malta, George Vella. The visit commenced with an official welcome at San Anton Palace, Attard, from President Vella and his wife Miriam, who later hosted a State Dinner in honour of the President and Sabina.
On Friday, 13 May, the President visited the headquarters of the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) and delivered a keynote address on the topic of migration to an audience including EUAA guests, staff and students from the University of Malta including the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies (MEDAC).
At their meeting, the two Heads of State discussed a number of topics including the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine, the future of Europe, the importance of multilateralism, migration, climate change and President Vella’s plans for the 2022 meeting of the Arraiolos Group of non-executive European Presidents. Over the course of the State Visit, President Higgins held a number of meetings with political leaders at State level and visited a number of cultural and historic sites as well as meeting with members of the Irish community in Malta.
President Michael D. Higgins addresses the European Union Agency for Asylum
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President Michael D. Higgins and Dr Mohammed Al-Hadid
President receives Dr Mohammed Al-Hadid, President of Jordan’s Red Crescent and global chairperson of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement On 18 May, President Higgins received Dr Mohammed Al-Hadid, President of Jordan’s Red Crescent and global chairperson of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement on a courtesy call at Áras an Uachtaráin.
President receives Congressman Richard Neal and US Congressional Delegation on a courtesy call
President Michael D. Higgins and Congressman Richard Neal
President Higgins received Congressman Richard Neal, US Ambassador H.E. Ms. Claire D. Cronin and a visiting Congressional Delegation (CODEL) at Áras an Uachtaráin on 24 May 2022 This was the first visit to Ireland by a US Congressional Delegation since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and offered a valuable opportunity to engage with high-level contacts in Capitol Hill on key issues of concern to Ireland. It was also an opportunity to thank the CODEL Members and the wider House Membership for their care and attention to Ireland and Irish issues over the years.
Congressman Richard Neal rings the Peace Bell
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President and Sabina unveil War of Independence memorial in Kenmare and officially open two public parks On 27 May, the President and Sabina Higgins unveiled the War of Independence memorial in the Kenmare town square and officially opened the Peninsula and Cumann na mBan parks. These are the first publicly owned parks in Kenmare, with parks in the town previously having been leased from the estate of Lord Lansdowne.
The Peninsula Park comprises almost 15 acres of land which runs from the mouth of the Finnihy River along the shores of Kenmare Bay. It will provide an important area for recreation for locals and visitors alike. Cumann na mBan Park is named in recognition of the role played by women in the fight for independence. The N22 bypass in Tralee, the largest road project in Kerry in modern times, has also been renamed as ‘Cumann na mBan Road’.
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins at the official opening of Cumann na mBan Park
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President Michael D Higgins, accompanied by Sabina Higgins, unveils the 2021 National Awarding Winning Plaque won by Ennis Tidy Towns, in the company of Tidy Towns stalwarts Mary Coote Ryan and Teresa McGrath. Image courtesy of John Kelly, The Clare Champion
President unveils a plaque to mark Ennis’ achievement in winning the 2021 Tidy Towns Competition On 28 May, the President unveiled a plaque in Ennis to mark the town’s achievement in winning the 2021 Tidy Towns Competition.
President Michael D Higgins unveils the 2021 National Awarding Winning Plaque won by Ennis Tidy Towns. Image courtesy of John Kelly, The Clare Champion
There was a record number of special awards this year. Cobh won the national prize for the Covid-19 community award, while Rush in County Dublin won the EPA circular economy award. Buncrana in County Donegal was awarded the All-Ireland national pollinator plan award, while Glaslough was named as the inaugural winner of the young persons in tidy towns awards.
The President said: “The Tidy Towns competition has been in existence since 1958. It is an initiative that has gone from strength to strength over the decades, an exemplar community-based initiative that constitutes a form of active citizenship at its finest. I am told that a record number of 847 Tidy Towns groups entered into the competition last year across the length and breadth of the country – comhghairdeas libh go léir.
I am pleased that a new prize category has been announced for this year’s awards to recognise the important role played by volunteers throughout the pandemic. The spirit of volunteerism, and the values underpinning that spirit, such as solidarity, kindness and empathy, that were so amply demonstrated during the pandemic, are values that we must preserve, foster and build upon as we reconstruct our lives, our society and economy in the wake of the Covid-19 emergency.”
May I also take this opportunity to pay tribute to the other category winners: Geashill, County Offaly, which was awarded Ireland’s Tidiest Village; Abbeyleix, County Laois, awarded Ireland’s Tidiest Small Town; Cobh, Cork South, awarded Ireland’s Tidiest Large Town; and of course Ennis, County Clare awarded Ireland’s Tidiest Large Urban Centre as well as overall winner.
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President Michael D. Hggins received The Right Honourable Trevor Mallard, Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives
Courtesy Call by The Right Honourable Trevor Mallard, Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives On 2 June, President Higgins received The Right Honourable Trevor Mallord, Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives, and a delegation who were visiting Ireland.
Courtesy Call by Sister Nora McNamara and Stephen Morse President Higgins received Sister Nora McNamara and Stephen Morse who presented a copy of their book ‘Social Networks and Food Security in the Urban Fringe’ on 7 June 2022. The book details the last 15 years in Nigeria describing how institutions and social networks which are indigenous to the cultures can be an effective way of bringing about desired change, especially food security while respecting the environment.
Stephen Morse, Sabina Higgins, President Michael D. Higgins and Sister Nora McNamara
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Courtesy Call by Charlie Bird On 24 June, President and Sabina Higgins were pleased to welcome Charlie Bird, his wife Claire and their dog Tiger to Áras an Uachtaráin. Charlie presented the President with a copy of his new book of photos from ‘Climb with Charlie’, the fundraising climb of Croagh Patrick organised by Charlie following his diagnosis with Motor Neuron Disease. President Higgins commended Charlie for the inspirational work he has done since his diagnoses with the disease and his constant work to ‘share the hand of friendship’.
Charlie Bird, President Michael D. Higgins and Claire Bird
The meeting also provided an opportunity for Tiger to meet with President Higgins’ dog Bród.
Bród greeting Tiger
Courtesy Call by H.E. Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo, the Departing Apostolic Nuncio and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps On 28 June, the President received, H.E. Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo, the Departing Apostolic Nuncio and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps. The Archbishop concluded his mandate as Papal Nuncio to Ireland having held the position since May 2017. Archbishop Okolo served as Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Ireland for the past five years and will now assume the role of Papal Nuncio to Czechia.
H.E. Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo and President Michael D. Higgins
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President Michael D. Higgins and Dr Akinwumi A. Adesina
President receives Dr Akinwumi A. Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank, on a courtesy call On 1 July, President Higgins received Dr Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank for a courtesy call at Áras an Uachtaráin. Dr Adesina was accompanied by Mr. Gauthier Bourlard, Director and Special Advisor to the President of the African Development Bank. Dr Adesina visited Ireland from 30 June to 2 July, delivering a keynote address at the Africa Ireland Economic Forum (AIEF) on 30 June. The theme of
the AIEF was “Prospering Post-Pandemic: Towards a Sustainable, Greener Future”. The AIEF is a key element of Ireland’s Strategy for Africa to 2025. It brings together business and political leaders and public and private sector stakeholders from across Ireland and the continent of Africa to explore how we can build long-lasting partnerships, foster economic prosperity and drive opportunities for trade and investment in both directions. Following their meeting, President Adesina invited the President to address the Dakar 2 summit on Food Security and Resilience in Africa, taking place in Senegal in January 2023.
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President officially opens ‘Beyond the Trees Avondale’ at Avondale House and Forest park On 6 July, President Higgins officially opened a new elevated tree-top walkway and 12-storey viewing platform at Avondale House and Forest Park in County Wicklow. The President said: “The ‘Beyond the Trees Avondale’ development has transformed Avondale House and Forest Park into a unique attraction and an important new destination in Ireland’s Ancient East. In addition to Avondale House, this visitor destination, which includes a new Treetop Walkway through the forest, which Sabina and I have just experienced, leading to a 38-metre wooden viewing tower, offers visitors spectacular views of Coillte’s Avondale Forest Park and the surrounding countryside. Avondale of course occupies a significant place in Irish history, both as the birthplace and home of Charles Stewart Parnell. Parnell and Michael Davitt are the foremost figures in the movements of the 19th century to give security and ownership of their land and labour to an Irish tenantry. Parnell is a figure of immense courage in his emergence from his own class to engage with the land issue – the greatest social issue of his time.”
President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins and Imelda Hurley (Chief Executive, Coillte). Image courtesy of Naoise Culhane Photography
President attends National Day of Commemoration The National Day of Commemoration is an annual event which commemorates all Irishmen and Irishwomen who died in past wars or on service with the United Nations. The day for National Day of Commemoration was chosen to be the nearest Sunday to July 11, which is the anniversary of the 1921 truce. On 10 July, at the ceremony in Collins Barracks, Dublin, the President laid a wreath on behalf of the people of Ireland, after which one minute of silence was observed.
President Michael D. Higgins – Collins Barracks
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Opening night of ‘The Steward of Christendom’ by Sebastian Barry, The Gate Theatre
President attends the Galway Races and presents the Galway Plate, Ballybrit, Galway
On 26 July, the President and Sabina attended the opening night of ‘The Steward of Chistendom’ at the Gate Theatre. The play, written by Irish playwright Sebastian Barry, focuses on Thomas Dunne, loosely based on Barry’s great-grandfather, a former chief superintendent of the Dublin Metropolitan Police.
On 27 July, President Higgins attended the Galway Races and presented the Galway Plate to T.J. McDonald, owner of the winning horse Hewick, ridden by Jordan Gainford and trained by John Joseph Hanlon.
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins with Cast. Image courtesy of Leon Farrell Photocall Ireland
Image courtesy of the Galway Races
President Michael D. Higgins and Sebastian Barry. Image courtesy of Leon Farrell Photocall Ireland
Image courtesy of the Galway Races
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President officially opens Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2022 – Mullingar On 31 July, the President and Sabina launched the AllIreland Fleadh 2022 in Mullingar. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is the world’s largest annual celebration of Irish music, language, song and dance. It attracts in the region of 500,000 visitors every year. Having had to hold virtual events for two years owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2022 event saw the return of an in person Fleadh. The President paid tribute to everyone who helped with the staging of the Fleadh, including the Mullingar Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, the Fleadh Executive Committee, Westmeath County Council, and all other involved.
The President said: “While it is a joy to see so many well-known artists performing – Martin Hayes and the Common Ground Ensemble, Sharon Shannon, The Bridge Céilí Band, Daithí Gormley, Frankie Gavin and Catherine McHugh, Téada, IMAR, Seamus Begley, Sean Keane and Emmett Cahill, Anúna, Kilfenora Céilí Band, Damien Mullane, Moxie, Four Winds, Meitheal Orchestra, The Blackwater, Breaking Trad and The Full Set to name but a few – perhaps the most important events are the 150 competitions where people from all over the world compete at different levels through music, song, dance and Comhrá Gaeilge.”
President Michael D. Higgins speaking at the Fleadh Cheoil 2022. Image courtesy of Robbie Reynolds Photography
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President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins with Niall Bergin (General Manager), Brian Crowley (Curator of the Museum), Tim McGloughlin, Séamus McGloughlin and Eoin McGloughlin (Grandchildren of Alf McGloughlin and nephews of Alfred McGloughlin). Image courtesy of Leah Farrell Photography
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins. Image courtesy of Leah Farrell Photography
President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins, Tim McGloughlin, Eoin McGloughlin and Niall Bergin. Image courtesy of Leah Farrell Photography
President and Sabina attended the exhibition ‘Intervals of Peace’: The Civil War Prison Art of Alfred McGloughlin in Kilmainham Gaol
Mountjoy Prison from where he was released on 13 October 1923. Although he was an active supporter of the Anti-Treaty side, he was never charged with a specific offence.
On 11 August, President and Sabina Higgins visited Kilmainham Gaol, where they viewed the exhibition ‘Intervals of Peace’: The Civil War Prison Art of Alfred McGloughlin. On 21 October 1922, several months into the Irish Civil War, Alfred McGloughlin was arrested in his home by Free State forces and brought to Wellington Barracks in Dublin. He spent the following year as a political prisoner, first in Wellington Barracks, then Hare Park in the Curragh, before a final stay in
McGloughlin experienced periods of severe illtreatment during his incarceration but, as mentioned in his obituary in 1932, he also found ‘intervals of peace in prison, sketching in watercolours, and filling a portfolio with pencil-drawings of his comrades’. 39 portraits and watercolour sketches of Mountjoy by Alfred McGloughlin went on public display for the first time in Kilmainham Gaol in this special exhibition to mark the centenary of the Civil War.
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Courtesy Call by Mr. Abdi Rashid Haji Nur, Concern Country Director in Somalia On 19 August, the United Nations World Humanitarian Day, President Higgins received Mr. Adbi Rashid Haji Nur, Concern Country Director in Somalia, for a courtesy call at Áras an Uachtaráin. The President previously met with Abdi-Rashid 30 years ago in 1992 in Somalia, during the famine of that year. During their meeting, the President received an update as Somalia faces the grave threat of a third famine in thirty years. In a statement, the President said: “On this, World Humanitarian Day, it is essential that we reflect upon the need to address the structural features of global food insecurity, including the vulnerabilities that flow from a dependence on staple foods over which local populations have no control of the supply, the distribution or the price. Today in the Horn of Africa we are once again facing the threat of catastrophic famine with over 7 million people in Somalia alone, including 1.5 million children, at serious risk. In 1992 and again in 2011, the world said ‘never again’ could a famine be allowed to occur in Somalia, yet once again we are facing a grave crisis. As well as immediate support to face off this disaster, structural action is essential if we are to escape from the growing threat of repeated famine, hunger and malnutrition.
President Michael D. Higgins and Mr. Abdi Rashid
On World Humanitarian Day we recognise the essential contribution made by so many people from Ireland and across the world in addressing these crises both today and consistently over the years. While responding to humanitarian needs, it is also of the greatest importance that the structural failures that are affecting global food supply are addressed, including speculation in food as a commodity. Ireland is offering support through Irish Aid, the United Nations agencies and the NGOs responding to famine and malnutrition. It is essential however that the strongest economies in the world play their role in addressing rather than deepening the threat of famine, displacement, malnutrition and global poverty through the prioritisation of human need rather than some of the strongest powers in the world reverting to an increased militarisation of our planet.”
President attends Dublin Horse Show and presents the Aga Khan Trophy On 19 August, President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins attended the Dublin Horse Show in the RDS. At the event, the President presented the Aga Khan trophy to the victorious Irish team at the Nations Cup event.
President Michael D. Higgins presents the Aga Khan Trophy 83 2021 & 2022 IN REVIEW
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins with the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at the State Dinner held in the President’s honour during his State Visit to the United Kingdom in 2014. Image courtesy of Chris Bellew, Fennell Photography
Marking the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II On 8 September, President Higgins issued the following statement following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II: “It is with profound regret and a deep personal sadness that I have learnt of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. On behalf of the people of Ireland, may I express my heartfelt sympathy to His Majesty the King and to the Royal Family on their very great personal loss. May I offer my deepest condolences to the British people and to the members of the Commonwealth on the loss of a unique, committed and deeply respected Head of State.
Her Majesty served the British people with exceptional dignity. Her personal commitment to her role and extraordinary sense of duty were the hallmarks of her period as Queen, which will hold a unique place in British history. Her reign of 70 years encompassed periods of enormous change, during which she represented a remarkable source of reassurance to the British people. This was a reassurance based on a realism of the significance of present events, rather than any narrow conception of history. This was so well reflected by a remarkable generosity of spirit which helped to foster a more inclusive relationship both with the British people themselves and with those with whom her country has experienced a complex, and often difficult, history.
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As President of Ireland, I recall the exceptional hospitality afforded to Sabina and myself by the Queen and the late Prince Philip on our four day State Visit to Britain in 2014. Together we celebrated the deeply personal interconnection between the Irish and British people, a connection embodied by the hundreds of thousands of families who have moved between our shores over the centuries. As we know, the Queen often spoke of how much she enjoyed her own historic State Visit to Ireland in 2011, the first such Visit by a British monarch since Irish independence, and during which she did so much through eloquent word and generous gesture to improve relations between our two islands. Queen Elizabeth’s Visit was pivotal in laying a firm basis for an authentic and ethical understanding between our countries. During those memorable few days eleven years ago, the Queen did not shy away from the shadows of the past. Her moving words
and gestures of respect were deeply appreciated and admired by the people of Ireland and set out a new, forward looking relationship between our nations – one of respect, close partnership and sincere friendship. As we offer our condolences to all our neighbours in the United Kingdom, following the loss of a remarkable friend of Ireland, we remember the role Queen Elizabeth played in celebrating the warm and enduring friendship, and her great impact on the bonds of mutual understanding, between our two peoples. She will be deeply missed. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.” Following the Queen’s passing, President Higgins attended a Service of Reflection for her life in St. Anne’s Cathedral in Belfast on 13 September and the Queen’s State Funeral in London on 19 September.
President Michael D. Higgins meets King Charles III at the service of reflection for the life of Queen Elizabeth in Belfast. Image courtesy of Liam McBurney 85 2021 & 2022 IN REVIEW
President holds discussions with Presidents of the States of Israel and Palestine Over the 16th and 17th of September, President Higgins had very good discussions with both the President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, and the President of the State of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas.
President Michael D. Higgins received Mr. Isaac Herzog, son of former President of the State of Israel Chaim Herzog, at Áras an Uachtaráin on the 100th Anniversary of the birth of his father on 17 October 2018
On 16 September, President Higgins had a lengthy phone call with President Isaac Herzog, with President Herzog expressing his deep appreciation for the welcome which the Herzog family received in Ireland in 2018. The Presidents noted that it was the first time that they had spoken since the death of President Herzog’s mother, Aura. The Presidents discussed the position with regards to the Middle East, including settlement activity, which is endangering prospects for a peace, as well as recent actions with regard to NGOs. The following day, President Higgins met with President Mahmoud Abbas in Dublin. At their meeting, President Abbas noted that there are a number of relevant resolutions which have been passed by the UN Security Council, the implementation of any of which would have the cooperation of the Palestinian authorities. President Higgins highlighted the importance of ensuring that international law delivers on commitments and of finding creative solutions to the issues which exist.
President Michael D. Higgins and H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Abbas on 17 September 2022
The Presidents of Israel and Palestine were both aware of President Higgins’ contact with each of them and of the President’s view that is important that possible initiatives are discussed. The President intends to resume talks with both Presidents in the future.
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The National Championships and the World Ploughing Contest On 20 September, the President officially opened both the National Ploughing Championships 2022 and the 67th World Ploughing Contest. ‘The Ploughing’, as it is known, draws an attendance of almost 300,000 people, making it one of Europe’s largest outdoor events. It has achieved a reputation as a key cultural occasion highlighting all that is great about Irish food, farming and rural culture. The event welcomed ploughing teams and their supporters from 24 countries all over the world. In his remarks at the event, the President asked us all: “… to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of agriculture to Irish society as a whole, in particular to rural Ireland, and of the foolishness of setting rural and urban ambitions in tension with each other. The enormous task of tackling the climate and biodiversity emergency, and of making our nation more environmentally sustainable, is a task that belongs to us all and must be undertaken by us all working together.
Jerry Dennehy from Kerry and horses Larry and Elton, President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins and Anna May McHugh (NPA Managing Director). Image courtesy of Alf Harvey
Courtesy Call by the Palestinian Lajee Cultural Centre On 22 September, the President received members of the Palestinian Lajee Cultural Centre as part of their Lajee Cultural Tour Ireland. The tour allows 15 young people, aged 12-17 years from Aida Refugee Camp in the West Bank to showcase their arts and culture, express their cultural identity and resistance and talk about their lives. The Irish tours consisted of concerts and exhibition in Dublin, Cork and Galway.
The role of farmers, their families, and those employed in the farming sector is critical in this endeavour, and I thank you all for your continued efforts in this regard and those you are being asked to make in the coming years, the flexibility and openness you demonstrate, as we make a just transition to a sustainable economy and society.”
President Michael D. Higgins and members of the Palestinian Lajee Cultural Centre
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President and Sabina Higgins host Culture Night at Áras an Uachtaráin On 23 September, the President and Sabina Higgins welcomed members of the public to Áras an Uachtaráin to celebrate Culture Night 2022. Culture Night is an annual, all-island public event which takes place each year on the third Friday of September. Special and unique events and workshops are made available to the public free of charge. Guests at Áras an Uachtaráin were given an insight into the history of the official residence of the President of Ireland and enjoyed a cultural performance by the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland.
Courtesy Call by the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Tiny Kox On 28 September, President Higgins received the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Tiny Kox, on a courtesy call at Áras an Uachtaráin. Tiny Kox is the 34th President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). He was elected to this role in January 2022. The meeting with President Kox provided President Higgins with an opportunity to discuss his forthcoming visit to Strasbourg and address to the PACE, as well as the expected focus of the Assembly’s work that week. President Kox also shared his thoughts on Council of Europe (CoE) reform, a subject that he has written extensively on, and, in particular, on the proposed fourth Summit of CoE Heads of State and Government.
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins enjoying a performance by the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland. Conductor Gearóid Grant
President Michael D. Higgins and Tiny Kox at Áras an Uachtaráin
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President Michael D. Higgins and Arraiolos Group
President attends the 17th meeting of the Arraiolos Group of EU Presidents – Malta On 6 October, President Higgins, accompanied by his wife Sabina, travelled to Malta to participate in the annual meeting of the Arraiolos Group of 15 nonexecutive European Presidents. 2022 marked the 65th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome and the meeting, hosted by the President of Malta George Vella, focussed on a stocktaking of the working of the EU institutions in the context of the anniversary, the future of the European Union and current and global challenges.
President Michael D. Higgins meets with H.E. George Vella, President of the Republic of Malta 7th October 2022 - San Anton Palace, Attard, Malta 89 2021 & 2022 IN REVIEW
President addresses the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe On 11 October, the President addressed the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. This was the second time that President Higgins has addressed the Council of Europe as President, having previously addressed the Assembly on 27 January 2015. This visit took place during Ireland’s Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, which ran from 20 May to 7 November, 2022. President Michael D. Higgins addresses the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
In his address, entitled “Reasserting the Moral Weight of the Council of Europe”, the President considered the extreme challenges currently facing multilateralism, including the consequences of the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine. He also addressed the devastating food insecurity crisis in the Horn of Africa, as well as highlighting the need to set out a longer term vision of the role of the Council of Europe in a post-conflict Europe, and how that role might fit within a wider and more effective global multilateral and institutional architecture.
President visits Bern Convention exhibition “Conserving our Heartland” President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins view the “Conserving our Heartland” exhibition
The President and Sabina viewed a photo exhibition at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, marking the 40th anniversary of the Bern Convention in Ireland, a binding international legal instrument in the field of nature conservation.
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President Michael D. Higgins and H.E. Mr. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa with pupils from Scoil Náisiúnta na Maighdine Mhuire, New-MarketFergus, Co. Clare
Creeslough Service Station Explosion, Co. Donegal Having addressed the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourgh on Tuesday, 11th October the President immediately travelled to Donegal on Wednesday 12th to be with the families of those who lost their lives in the Creeslough service station explosion in Co. Donegal. The President attended the 8 remaining funerals, having been represented by his Aide De Camp at the two funerals which took place during his visit to Strasbourgh, the families of whom he also met in Creeslough. The President also met with emergency services, the fire service, ambulance service, coastguard, air ambulance and gardaí, who attended the Creeslough explosion and hailed the efforts of first responders from Northern Ireland who contributed to the operation.
President welcomes H.E. Mr. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of the Portuguese Republic, on a State Visit to Ireland President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina welcomed the President of the Portuguese Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, on a State Visit to Ireland from 18 – 20 October 2022. The State Visit by President Rebelo de Sousa follows on from the State Visit of President Higgins to Portugal, in December 2015. The visits served to highlight the historical, cultural, scientific and diplomatic relations between Ireland and Portugal and aimed to further strengthen the warm ties of friendship between the two countries. 2022 marked the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Portugal and Ireland. While in Ireland, President Rebelo de Sousa took part in engagements in the fields of culture, academia and climate change, including visits to the Museum of Literature Ireland, the Marine Institute’s new research vessel, Tom Crean, and the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation.
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President and Sabina attend the launch of Luke Kelly Commemorative Coin On 24 October, President Michael D. Higgins officially launched a silver commemorative coin for the late Luke Kelly at Luke’s former school, St. Laurence O’Toole National school in Dublin 1. The limited edition commemorative coin was issued to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Kelly’s birth. The coin was originally scheduled to go on sale in 2020, but was delayed due to disruptions arising from the impact of Covid-19.
Luke Kelly was born in 1940 in Sheriff Street, Dublin. He moved to England as a teenager and became involved in the folk music revival. He returned to Ireland in the early sixties and was a founding member of The Dubliners. Luke Kelly sadly passed away in 1984 but remains to this day an icon both in Ireland and internationally. The President said: “I am delighted to be here today at this important occasion, a significant day in the public and cultural life of Ireland when we remember Luke Kelly’s genius. I am so pleased to see many familiar faces in the audience, including many from the Kelly family, including his nieces Paula and Angela, his brother Paddy and sister Bessie.”… “Luke’s singular ability to take that traditional music, so strongly embedded in our Irish culture and heritage, and to recraft and rework it with authenticity, imbuing it with a passion and great empathy, politicising it, inspired a new generation to engage with this rich part of their past. We owe, indeed, a great debt of gratitude to Luke Kelly and his band The Dubliners for that renewed interest in our traditional Irish ballads which has ensured they continue to live on in an ever-evolving Ireland. On Luke’s grave are engraved, most appositely, the simple words: ‘Luke Kelly – Dubliner’. Luke’s influence, however, as man and musician stretched far beyond the landscape of this city he loved so well.”
Image courtesy of Niall Carson
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President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, Chief Justice of Ireland, Donal O’Donnell, Director of the National Archives, Orlaith McBride and Cast. Image courtesy of the Director of the National Archives
President receives Ms. Dunja Mijatović, Commissioner for Human Rights, on a courtesy call
President attends a theatrical re-enactment of the proceedings of the 1922 Constitution Committee
On 25 October, President Higgins received Ms. Dunja Mijatović, Commissioner for Human Rights, at Áras an Uachtaráin on a courtesy call.
On 25 October, the President and Sabina Higgins attended a re-enactment of the proceedings of the 1922 Constitution Committee held by the National Archives, Ireland and the Court Services of Ireland in the Shelbourne Hotel’s Constitution Room, marking the centenary of the adoption of the Constitution of the Irish Free State.
Dunja Mijatović was elected Commissioner for Human Rights in January 2018 by the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly and took up her position on 1 April 2018. In her role, Ms. Mijatović provides advice and raises awareness of human rights issues through the publication of thematic documents and the organisation of events and workshops, as well as visiting member states to help raise standards of human rights protection. Ms. Mijatović was accompanied by her chief of staff, Claudia Lam; the President of Homo Faber, Ms. Anna Dąbrowska; Associate Director of the Europe and Central Asia Division of Human Rights Watch, Ms. Tanya Lokshina; and the executive director of the Centre for Civil Liberties, Ms. Oleksandra Romantsova. President Higgins previously met Commissioner Mijatović at Áras an Uachtaráin for a courtesy call in May 2019. At that meeting, they discussed the importance of a rights-based approach to global policy making.
President Michael D. Higgins and Ms. Dunja Mijatović
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President attends John Behan Exhibition On 27 October, the President and Sabina Higgins attended the opening of renowned sculptor John Behan’s new exhibition, “The Way It Is: Ukrainian & Other Sculpture (2020 – 22)” at the Solomon Fine Art gallery in Dublin.
Tara Murphy, John Behan, President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins. Image courtesy of Kieran Harnett Photography
The new exhibition continues John Behan’s observation and exploration of themes of emigration and the displacement of people. “The Way It Is” tackles scenes and imagery which depict the plight of present-day immigrants and refugees with a focus on the war in Ukraine. John Behan has previously contributed art to Áras an Uachtaráin. On 1 May, 2018 the President and Sabina unveiled a new contribution to public art, in commemoration of the 1913 Lockout of Dublin workers – a founding moment for workers and trade unionism in Ireland – and of The Citizen Army and its first secretary and historian, playwright Sean O’Casey. Named “The Plough and the Stars”, the art object is a collaboration between John Behan, former National Ploughing champion Gerry King and the Office of Public Works. The piece is based on a Wexford Star plough, manufactured in the 1930s by the Wexford Engineering company, and donated to Áras an Uachtaráin in recognition of the President and Sabina’s involvement in the National Ploughing Championships.
Courtesy Call by representatives from the Tree Council of Ireland On 28 October, President Michael D. Higgins received representatives from the Tree Council of Ireland who presented a holly sapling. Holly trees are distributed to primary schools around Ireland in October to mark National Tree Day.
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Ellen McKimm, President of the 338th Session of the Philosophical Society with President Michael D. Higgins
President Michael D. Higgins and members of Screen Directors Guild of Ireland
President receives the Gold Medal of Honorary Patronage from the University Philosophical Society of Trinity College
President receives members of the Screen Directors Guild of Ireland
On 1 November, President Higgins received the Gold Medal of Honorary Patronage from the University Philosophical Society of Trinity College. Known as ‘The Phil’, the society is the world’s oldest student society and has recorded the presence of many notable members including Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, and Samuel Beckett, across three hundred and thirty-eight years of history. The Council elects a select number of new Honorary Patrons to the society based on their significant contribution in their respective fields. In 2022, the President was awarded the Gold Medal of Honorary Patronage for his outstanding contribution to film, television and popular culture.
On 3 November, President Michael D. Higgins received members of the Screen Directors Guild of Ireland on a Courtesy Call. The Screen Directors Guild of Ireland (SDGI) was established in 2000. It is the representative body for directors involved in the Irish and international audiovisual industry. These include directors of feature film, fiction, documentary, television drama, short films, commercials and animation. The Screen Directors Guild of Ireland has a number of core objectives designed to support Irish screen directors and promote Irish directors on a national and international scale.
Speaking at the event, the President said: “The ability to engage with, and debate, issues in a meaningful, respectful, inclusive way on a wide range of topics across the spectrum of our lives is so fundamentally important. As (mostly!) young people, your voice is a critical input to the national conversation we need on how we can achieve an enhanced participation and sustainable transformation within Irish society.” 95 2021 & 2022 IN REVIEW
President presents Fiction Laureate Medal to Colm Tóibín On 4 November, President Michael D. Higgins presented novelist, short story writer and poet Colm Tóibín with the Laureate medal, in recognition of his appointment as Ireland’s third Laureate for Irish Fiction. Colm Tóibín’s three-year term began in January 2022, having taken over the laureateship from Sebastian Barry, who followed inaugural Laureate Anne Enright.
Colm Tóibín and President Michael D. Higgins
The Laureate for Irish Fiction is an initiative of the Arts Council. The role seeks to acknowledge the contribution of fiction writers to Irish artistic and cultural life by honouring an established Irish writer of fiction, encouraging a new generation of writers, promoting Irish literature nationally and internationally and encouraging the public to engage with high quality Irish fiction.
Prof Kevin Rafter, Chair of the Arts Council, Colm Tóibín (Laureate for Irish fiction), President Michael D. Higgins, Catriona Crowe and Audrey Keane
President interviewed on The Blindboy Podcast On 16 November, President Higgins spoke to Blindboy on the Blindboy Podcast about a range of issues including his Machnamh 100 series, the importance of reflecting on and revising our opinions on our history, its current relevance and much more besides at Áras an Uachtaráin.
President Michael D. Higgins and Blindboy
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President welcomes Louise Brangan, Lynsey Black and Deirdre Healy to present their book “Histories of Punishment and Social Control in Ireland: Perspectives from a Periphery” On 16 November, President Higgins received Dr Louise Brangan, Dr Lynsey Black and Associate Professor Deirdre Healy on a courtesy call at Áras an Uachtaráin. The three academics, who specialise in issues of criminology, presented the President with a copy of their book “Histories of Punishment and Social Control in Ireland: Perspectives from a Periphery”.
President confers the Torc, the symbol of the office of Saoi, on Ms. Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin On 17 November, the President presented the poet Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin with the symbol of the office of Saoi in Aosdána, a gold Torc. Members of Aosdána may receive the honour of Saoi, which is bestowed for singular and sustained distrinction in the arts. Not more than seven members of Aosdána may hold this honour at any one time. The current Saoithe are Roger Doyle, Seóirse Bodley, George Morrison, Edna O’Brien, Camille Souter, Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin and Imogen Stuart.
Issues with regard to incarceration and penal policy have been a strong interest of the President throughout his career both as an academic sociologist and as a politician.
(LtoR) Louise Brangan, President Michael D. Higgins, Deirdre Healy and Lynsey Black
Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin and President Michael D. Higgins
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President Michael D. Higgins and Ms. Mirjana Spoljaric Egger
Courtesy Call by Ms. Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross On 18 November, President Higgins received Ms. Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), on a courtesy call at Áras an Uachtaráin. Prior to taking up the Presidency, from August 2018 Ms. Spoljaric Egger served as the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, Assistant Administrator of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), and Director of the Regional Bureau for Europe and the CIS.
President receives Sir John Boorman and Mr. Sheamus Smith on a courtesy call On 21 November, President Higgins and Sabina welcomed Sir John Boorman and Mr. Sheamus Smith to Áras an Uachtaráin on a courtesy call. Sir John Boorman is a British film director and was recently honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Wicklow County Council for his contribution to the Wicklow and Irish screen industry.
Established in 1863, the ICRC operates worldwide, helping people affected by conflict and armed violence and promoting the laws that protect victims of war. An independent and neutral organization, its mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949.
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Courtesy Call by members of the Harry Boland Centenary Commemoration Committee On 22 November, President Higgins welcomed members of the Harry Boland Centenary Commemoration Committee to Áras an Uachtaráin on a courtesy call. Harry Boland was an Irish republican politician who served as President of the Irish Republican Brotherhood from 1919 to 1920. At the 1921 general election, Boland was elected to the second Dáil as one of the TDs for the Mayo South– Roscommon South. He was re-elected in 1922 as an Anti-Treaty candidate, but died two months later in St. Vincent’s Hospital during the Irish Civil War.
President Michael D. Higgins and members of the Harry Boland Centenary Commemoration Committee
To mark the centenary of his death, a committee made up of descendants of Harry’s brother Gerald and sister Kathleen and friends organised three days of events in 2022.
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Courtesy call by a group of Canadian First Nations People from Turtle Island On 23 November, President Higgins welcomed a group of First Nations People from Turtle Island, including Poet Laureate of the Canadian Parliament Louise Halfe, Cree knowledge keeper, singer & storyteller Joseph Naytowhow and choreographer/ dancer of Anishinaabe & Irish heritage Brian Solomon. More than 1.67 million people in Canada identify themselves as an Aboriginal person. President Michael D. Higgins, Louise Halfe, Joseph Naytowhow and Brian Solomon
The Canadian Constitution recognizes 3 groups of Aboriginal peoples: First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Traditionally, First Nations in Canada were peoples who lived south of the tree line, and mainly south of the Arctic Circle. There are more than 630 First Nation communities in Canada, which represent more than 50 Nations and 50 Indigenous languages.
President and Sabina Higgins attend a Gala Concert “Sounding Sionna : A Celebration of Music & Dance” The President and Sabina Higgins attended Sounding Sionna: A Celebration of Music & Dance at the University Concert Hall, Limerick on 24 November 2022.
President Michael D. Higgins and Louise Halfe
The concert featured sean-nós singers, medieval and baroque song with traditional dance, echoing Academy founder the late Mícheál Ó Suilleabháin’s vision of celebrating all the music and dance culture of the world equally. The University Concert Hall was Ireland’s first purpose built concert hall and is situated in the University of Limerick campus.
President Michael D. Higgins, Deputy Chancellor Rose Hynes and University of Limerick President Professor Kerstin Mey. Image courtesy of University of Limerick
The concert featured Grammy Award-winning singer Rhiannon Giddens, Muireann Nic Amhloaibh and the Irish Chamber Orchestra, Libra Strings led by Diane Daly, the Irish World Academy Artists led by Breandán de Gallaí, and the premier of a new work by Patrick Cassidy co-commissioned by UL and RTÉ lyric fm.
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President Michael D. Higgins and The Church Leaders
President receives the Church Leaders Group on a courtesy call On 28 November, President Higgins received members from The Church Leaders Group at Áras an Uachtaráin. The Church Leaders Group includes the Church of Ireland and Roman Catholic Archbishops of Armagh, the Presbyterian Moderator and the Presidents of the Methodist Church and Irish Council of Churches.
President hosts a screening of The Letter – A Message for our Earth President Higgins hosted a special screening of ‘The Letter – A Message for our Earth’ at Áras an Uachtaráin on 30 November 2022. The Letter: A Message for our Earth is a 2022 documentary film, telling the story of the Laudato Si’ encyclical by Pope Francis. Laudato si’ (Praise Be to You) is the second encyclical of Pope Francis and focuses on the importance of protecting our environment.
Dr Lorna Gold (FaithInvest), Sabina Higgins, President Michael D. Higgins, Nicolas Brown (Director), Finola Finnan (Trocáire) and Martin Palmer (FaithInvest) 101 2021 & 2022 IN REVIEW
Courtesy Call by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen On 1 December, President and Sabina Higgins welcomed the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to Áras an Uachtaráin. Ursula von der Leyen has been President of the European Commission since 1 December 2019. She is the first woman and the second German to hold the position.
President and Sabina attend ‘Orphans of the Great Hunger’ presented by The Old Tuam Society On 4 December, the President and Sabina Higgins attended the 2nd performance of ‘Orphans of the Great Hunger’ in Portumna Workhouse. The Orphans of the Great Hunger is a two-act play written by Patricia King-Callaghan and directed by Tom O’Donoghue. The play portrays the story of the ‘Orphan Girls’ who departed the Tuam Workhouse to Australia on the Earl Grey Scheme in 1948. The Old Tuam Society was founded in 1942 to highlight the antiquities of Tuam and surrounding district and to preserve items of historical interest.
Sabina Higgins, President Michael D. Higgins and Ursula von der Leyen
President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins and Cast. Image courtesy of The Old Tuam Society
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President hosts Distinguished Service Awards Ceremony
Science, Technology and Innovation Teresa Lambe (Britain)
On 8 December, at a ceremony in Áras an Uachtaráin, President Michael D. Higgins presented the 2022 Presidential Distinguished Service Awards.
Due to the Covid 19 pandemic a number of recipients could not attend previous ceremonies. These recipients also received their Awards in 2022.
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 2021 recipients
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 Michael D. Higgins in 2012. 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”.
Science, Technology and Innovation Susan Hopkins (Britain) The 2020 recipients Business and Education Michael J. Dowling (US) Charitable Works Dermot O’Leary (Britain)
The 2022 recipients Arts, Culture and Sport Morgan Bullock (US) Katie-George Dunlevy (Britain) Joseph M. Hassett (US) Fergus Linehan (Britain) Business and Education Wang Zhanpeng & Chen Li (China)
President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins, recipients of the Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad for 2022 (2020 and 2021) and Guests
Charitable Works Ciarán Staunton & Orlaith Staunton (US) Irish Community Support Josephine O’Driscoll (Britain) Peace, Reconciliation and Development Mary Ellen McGroarty (Afghanistan) Fr. Richard (Dick) O’Riordan (South Africa)
President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins and recipients of the Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad for 2022 (2020 and 2021) 103 2021 & 2022 IN REVIEW
President and Sabina host annual Tree Lighting Ceremony On 10 December, President Michael D. Higgins switched on the Christmas tree lights at Áras an Uachtaráin. Each year, the President and Sabina Higgins welcome families from across Ireland 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.
Santa, Mrs. Clause and Elves
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins with members of the Irish Institute of Music and Song Children’s Chorus 104 2021 & 2022 IN REVIEW
President Michael D. Higgins and Eugene Clonan, Acting Director of the Irish Coast Guards
President and Sabina host a reception for staff and volunteers of the Irish Coast Guard Service On 14 December, the President and Sabina Higgins hosted a reception for staff and volunteers of the Irish Coast Guard Service at Áras an Uachtaráin, marking 200 years of the Irish Coast Guard.
The Irish Coast Guard mission statement is: ‘Delivering a world class search and rescue, maritime casualty, and pollution response service.’ In his speech, the President reflected on the Irish Coast Guard’s rich history and recognised the tireless work of the Irish Coast Guard staff and volunteers.
The Coast Guard service was established in Ireland in 1822 and while it changed names following independence to the Coast Life Saving Service, Coast and Cliff Rescue Service, and Irish Marine Emergency Service – in 2000 the service reverted to the current name of the Irish Coast Guard.
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President Michael D. Higgins and Dr Sindy Joyce
President Michael D. Higgins receives Dr Sindy Joyce on a Courtesy Call On 15 December, President Higgins welcomed Dr Sindy Joyce to Áras an Uachtaráin who presented him with a copy of the Irish Travellers Access to Justice Report.
Council, “Mincéirs Siúladh: An ethnographic study of young Travellers’ experiences of urban space”, explored the interaction of young Travellers with the settled community and the Gardaí in Galway city.
In January 2019 Dr Joyce became the first Irish Traveller to obtain a doctorate from an Irish university. Her doctoral thesis funded by the Irish Research
Dr Sindy Joyce is an Irish Traveller, human rights activist and academic sociologist.
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Appointment of Taoiseach and members of Government On the morning of 17 December, President Higgins accepted the resignation of Mícheál Martin as Taoiseach. That afternoon, in a ceremony in the State Reception Room, the President signed the Warrant of Appointment and handed the Seal of the Taoiseach and the Seal of Government to Leo Varadkar, thereby appointing him Taoiseach.
President Michael D. Higgins accepts the resignation of Micheál Martin as Taoiseach
That evening, President Higgins signed the Warrant of Appointment for each of the Members of the Government, and the Warrant of Appointment of the Attorney General, each of which was countersigned by the Taoiseach. The President then presented each Minister with their Seal of Office. Following their appointment, the Government then held their first meeting in Áras an Uachtaráin.
President Michael D. Higgins presents the Seal of the Taoiseach and Seal of the Government to Leo Varadkar
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President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins and Emily O’Brien with daughters Carol, Mellory, Joan and Sheelagh
President and Sabina Higgins host Afternoon Tea Reception On 20 December, President and Sabina Higgins hosted an afternoon tea in Áras an Uachtaráin with groups from across Ireland. Among those in attendance was Emily O’Brien, from Rosslare, Co. Wexford, who had recently celebrated her 100th birthday with her daughters Carol O’Brien, Mellory O’Brien, Joan Walsh and Sheelagh O’Brien. Also present was Retired Captain Thomas Gunn and his family. Captain Gunn’s father, the late Colonel Thomas Gunn, led National Army troops into what was then the Viceregal Lodge (now Áras an Uachtaráin) to take over the building from British troops on 14 December 1922.
President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins and Rt’d Captain Thomas Gunn and his family
President Michael D. Higgins and Guests
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Christmas Message from President Michael D. Higgins
that, along with your profound sadness, your loved ones can be remembered with appreciation by you for all that was shared with them, your lives together. “
Each year the President addresses the Nation with a special Christmas Message. In his 2022 Message the President said: “As we move from the shadows of Covid-19 and our necessary adjustments to what was required, may I, as President of Ireland, mar Uachtarán na hÉireann, send you my warmest wishes for a peaceful and a Happy Christmas and New Year. I do so as the spectre of war once again hangs over our continent with all its consequences for those its victims, those lost, injured, displaced. To those who have sought refuge with us and for whom this may be their first Christmas in Ireland, may I extend a warm welcome. May your Christmas be a one of peace and hope.
As we look towards seasons of renewal and flourishing, let us do so in solidarity, resolving to craft together a shared future defined by compassion, care, inclusion and equality, a society whose values embody the vision of the brave men and women who helped to realise the foundation of our Republic and whose centenary we continue to mark. May I wish each and every one of you, wherever you may be, a peaceful and happy Christmas. Nollaig Shona daoibh go léir, is beir gach beannacht d’on bliain nua is d’on todchaí.” Full speech: https://president.ie/en/diary/details/ christmas-message-from-president-michael-dhiggins-22
Christmas is a time to renew our commitments to justice. In his ground-breaking encyclical Laudato Si, Pope Francis, for example, speaks of a “culture of indifference”, including how such a “culture of indifference” relates to climate change, a pandemic, of ignoring global issues, global hunger, migrant deaths, increasing militarism, and he challenges us all not to avert our gaze from all those who suffer in different ways on our shared planet. His encyclical speaks of the need to “care for our common home” and constitutes a call to action to protect all life on our vulnerable planet through the forging of better connections between ecology, economics and ethics. We must look to ourselves and to our institutions as to how we are answering such calls as his. May I, in a special way, extend my sympathies this Christmas to the people of Creeslough and all who were bereaved by the terrible tragedy visited on that close-knit community which I had the privilege of visiting at a time of tragedy and grief. I hope this coming year will bring you some space for healing and 109 2021 & 2022 IN REVIEW
GARDEN PARTIES 2022
President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins and The Stunning
The hosting of Garden Parties by the President of Ireland is a tradition dating back to our first President, Douglas Hyde. 2022 saw the return of the annual Garden Parties following the COVID-19 pandemic, with five Garden Parties and two Presidential Concerts taking place over June and July.
Bloomsday 2022 On 12 June, President Higgins and Sabina hosted a special Garden Party at Áras an Uachtaráin to mark the 100th anniversary of the publication of James Joyce’s Ulysses in 1922. The event, which took place in the week of Bloomsday, was MC’d by Tommy Tiernan and included addresses by President Higgins and Professor Declan Kiberd, author of ‘Ulysses and Us’, as well as musical performances from artists including Camille O’Sullivan, Simon Morgan, Noel O’Grady and The Stunning.
President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins and Guests
The event was the 60th themed Garden Party to be hosted by President Higgins at Áras an Uachataráin since his election to the office of President, with over 20,000 people having attended over the course of the events since 2011.
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President Michael D. Higgins and Guests
Community Garden Party celebrating diversity On 15 June 2022, the President and Sabina Higgins hosted a Garden Party celebrating community in all its diversity and sense of connection. The event was MC’d by Fiachna Ó Braonáin and included an address by President Higgins, as well as musical performances from artists including CMAT, Dublin Gay Men’s Chorus, Le Boom, Siobhán Flynn, St. James’ Brass & Reed Band, Colm Ó hArgáin Group, Ciarán Browne, Atkinson Family, Lad Lane and Vintage Boom Box.
Bród and Guests
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Family Day Garden Party On 18 June 2022 the President and Sabina Higgins hosted a Family Day garden party at Áras an Uachtaráin. In his speech, President Higgins acknowledged the various organisations across different sectors of society who work to improve the conditions for families in all their forms. “At the heart of every family unit must be love, care and an acceptance of each other as both unique with our own gifts and also a family member. That is a characteristic that all supportive families share, regardless of how they may differ.” The event was MC’d by Doireann Garrihy and musical performances from artists included Tebi Rex, John Spillane, Pearly Whites, David O’Connor, Cork City Samba Band, Colm Ó hArgáin Group, Classical Group, Jane Walls and Cooks But We’re Chefs.
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HeForShe Garden Party On 23 June, the Garden Party theme was of gender equality, dignity, respect and putting an end to violence, recognising those who have been working and are considering together what contribution we can all make to the strengthening of gender equality across the Island of Ireland. The President welcomed representatives of activist groups, companies, Trade Unions, and organisations representing the worlds of sport and the arts, of law and agriculture, of advocacy and education, and of youth and youth empowerment. The event included a discussion between the CEO of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, Noeline Blackwell, and former footballer Richie Sadlier as well as a panel discussion. The President said: “All of you have been invited here today in recognition, not only of the significant and generous impact you already have on our society, and on the lives and welfare of our citizens, but our initiative is seeking to emphasise the profound contribution we can make, together, to the crafting of a society in which we can all work together to ensure that it will become taken for granted that all women are welcome and included in all aspects of society with their skills and talents recognised, their safety and welfare guaranteed. Needless to say, it is long past the time for an end to violence against women, but we have not succeeded.”
Noeline Blackwell and Richie Sadlier speak at the HeforShe Garden Party
The event was MC’d by Niall Stokes and musical performances from artists included Tom Barry, Tolü Makay, Moxie, David O’Connor, Dublin Ukulele Collective, Colm Ó hArgáin Group, Classical Group, Amy Campbell and the Swing Cats.
Dublin Ukulele Collective perform at the HeforShe Garden Party
Guests attend the HeforShe Garden Party
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Community Garden Party promoting a Sustainable Future On 26 June the President and Sabina Higgins offered a warm welcome to those members of communities and activists who are working to promote a sustainable future for our citizens across Ireland and out into the world. The President said: “While today is a day to celebrate the numerous achievements that so many of you here today have helped to realise – across so many areas, including all of the social issues, health, social policy, environmental and sustainability issues – it would be remiss of me not to reflect and ask for your engagement on the circumstance in which we find ourselves which now include our continent at war following the invasion of Ukraine. Climate change remains a core issue but we are now possibly facing the most catastrophic famine we have ever faced, the biggest existential crisis we face as a society. War must not distract us from the
transformations and advocacies that all of us had underway. Yet, the pandemic and the Ukrainian invasion and its ensuing humanitarian crisis has pushed all other issues such as famine and ecological crisis, and climate change down the policy agenda. While there was some progress on climate issues at COP26 in Glasgow last year, it is clear that the pace we need in order to achieve the low-carbon transition is far too slow. The latest IPCC reports make for grim reading and constitute a dire warning about the consequences of inadequate action. The Horn of Africa is facing the worst drought in 40 years and an inflection in the most basic forms of food. The window of opportunity to act transform our planet is closing worryingly fast: “major climate changes are now inevitable and irreversible”. The event was MC’d by Anne Cassin and musical performances from artists included, Sibéal, Villagers, Pure Hits, Luke Webb, Lucan Concert Band, Colm Ó hArgáin Group, Jane Walls, Classical Group, Síomha and the Booka Brass Band
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Traditional Irish Music Concert On 29 June, the President and Sabina Higgins celebrated the many different groups, organisations and individuals who contribute so much to our rich music and arts scene across the country and particularly through the medium of Irish traditional music. The President said:
The President also paid tribute to Dennis Cahill who brought a unique and innovative style to his guitar playing, Paddy Maloney of the Chieftains and the accordion player Tony McMahon. The event was MC’d by Kieran Hanrahan and further musical performances from artists included, Harpist Siobhan Flynn, The Bonny Men, John Francis Flynn and the Kilfenora Céilí Band.
“From its ability to affect our emotions and memories to the way it has no borders, unites people, music is perhaps the universal lingua franca, communicating emotions and memories that words cannot. Music remains one of the most valuable connections we have to a wider world, a world without borders. It is a wire through which we resonate with the outside world in all its aspects and its peoples.” President Michael D. Higgins and The Bonny Men
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President Michael D. Higgins, Sabina Higgins and The Dublin Gospel Choir
Special Concert to celebrate the Joy and Power of Music On 1 July the garden party season drew to a close with a very special concert, a great celebration of the joy and power of music, particularly gospel music, and all it contributes to the cultural life of our nation. The President said: Havana Club Trio
“The Dublin Gospel Choir, who will perform for us this evening, has, across the twenty-five years since it was established, become deeply rooted into the cultural life of our city and indeed our nation. They have represented us proudly on the European stage.” The event was MC’d by Liz Nolan of Lyric FM and musical performances from artists included, John Walsh, Jamie Duffy, Dublin Gospel Choir and the Havana Club Trio.
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GAISCE – THE PRESIDENT’S AWARD 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-directed - participants 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. In October 2021 the President welcomed the opportunity to visit Cork prison to presented Gaisce Awards to prisoners who met all the challenges involved in completing the different categories of Gaisce Awards. Gaisce and the Irish Prison Service have now been working together for almost twenty years. On 5 July 2022, at a ceremony in Áras an Uachtaráin, President Higgins presented the Gaisce Gold Awards to 79 young people who have completed their personal development challenges.
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AMBASSADORS PRESENT THEIR LETTERS OF CREDENCE When another country wishes to appoint a new Ambassador to Ireland the Government must agree to that appointment. An accreditation ceremony subsequently takes places at Áras an Uachtaráin, where the new Ambassador presents a letter of credence to the President of Ireland. The Ambassador-designate is greeted on arrival at Áras an Uachtaráin and invited to sign the visitors book. The Ambassador-designate then proceeds to the State Reception Room, where he/she formally presents their letter of credence to the President. The formal exchanges of greetings between the new Ambassador and the President 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 he/she inspects a military guard of honour. The new Ambassador then departs Áras an Uachtaráin with a military escort. At the end of their term, the President invites the Ambassadors on a Courtesy Call to Áras an Uachtaráin, to thank them for their service, hear their experiences in Ireland and discuss the departing Ambassador’s views on issues of relevance to our bilateral relations.
Ambassadors appointed in 2021 17 June 2021 H.E. Mr. Mehmet Hakan Olcay, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey H.E. Ms. Nancy Smyth, Ambassador of Canada 22 September 2021 H.E. Mrs. Ijeoma Chinonyerem Obiezu, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria H.E. Ms. Larusa Geraslp, Ambassador of Ukraine H.E. Mr. Cord Meier-Klodt, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany 13 October 2021 H.E. Mrs. Karen Van Vlierberge, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium H.E. Mrs. Lironne Bar Sadeh, Ambassador of Israel H.E. Dr. Laurențiu-Mihai Ștefan, Ambassador of Romania 24 November 2021 H.E. Mr. Akhilesh Mishra, Ambassador of India H.E. Mr. Magnus Rydén, Ambassador of Sweden H.E. Ms. Florence Ensch, Ambassador of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Ambassadors appointed in 2022 10 February 2022 H.E. Ms. Claire Deirdre Cronin, Ambassador of the United States of America H.E. Dr. Morie Komba Manyeh, Ambassador of Sierra Leone
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H.E. Mrs. Vanessa Eugenia Interiano Elfarnawany, Ambassador of El Salvador 16 February 2022 H.E. Mr. Sturla Sigurjónsson, Ambassador of Iceland H.E. General Geraldo Sachipengo, Ambassador of the Republic of Angola H.E. Mrs. Saroja Sirisena, Ambassador of Sri Lanka
16 September 2022 H.E. Mr. Adil Yousif Omer Bannaga, Ambassador of the Republic of the Sudan H.E. Mrs. Kairi Künka, Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia H.E. Mr. Andrej Droba, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic 27 September 2022
31 March 2022 H.E. Mr. Bernardo Guanche, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba H.E. Mr. Giovanni Buttigieg, Ambassador of Malta H.E. Dr. Benedict Johannes Gubler, Ambassador of Switzerland
H.E. Mr. Mohamed Sarwat Selim, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt H.E. Mr. Juris Stalmeistars, Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia H.E. Mr. Lars Thuesen, Ambassador of Denmark 26 October 2022
24 May 2022 H.E. Mrs. Natalia Royo de Hagerman, Ambassador of the Republic of Panama H.E. Mr. Nguyen Hoang Long, Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam 7 July 2022 H.E. Mr. Bernardo Fernades Homen de Lucena, Ambassador of Portugal Excellency H.E. Mr. Ruggero Corrais, Ambassador of Italy H.E. Ms. Gurly Teta Gibson Schwarz, Ambassador of the Republic of Liberia 8 July 2022 H.E. Mr. César Rodríguez –Zavalla, Ambassador of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay H.E. Mr. Jose Alberto Briz Guitierrez, Ambassador of the Republic of Guatemala, Ambassador of the H.E. Mr. Elnio Manuel Darán, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic
H.E. Mr. Ion de la Riva Guzmán de Frutos, Ambassador of Spain H.E. Mr. Elin Emin oglu Suleymanov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan H.E. Mrs. Amani Affoué Sara, Ambassador of the Côte d’Ivoire 29 November 2022 H.E. Mrs. Magdalini Nicolaou, Ambassador of Greece H.E. Mr. Mohammed Hmoud Hamad Rahma AlShamsi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates H.E. Mrs. Aisha Farooqui, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan 8 December 2022 H.E. Ms. Carolina Zaragoza Flores, Ambassador of Mexico H.E. Mr. Fahad Mohammed Abdullah Al-Attiyah, Ambassador of the State of Qatar H.E. Mr. Manar Dabbas, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
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Ambassadors Present their Credentials 22 September, 2021 Her Excellency, Mrs. Ijeoma Chinonyerem Obiezu, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Ms. Larysa Gerasko, Ambassador of Ukraine, and His Excellency, Mr. Cord Meier-Klodt, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany presented their Letters of Credence to President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin on 22 September, 2021.
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Ambassadors Present their Credentials – 10 February, 2022 Her Excellency, Ms. Claire D. Cronin, Ambassador of the United States of America, His Excellency, Dr. Morie Komba Manyeh, Ambassador of Sierra Leone, and Her Excellency, Mrs. Vanessa Eugenia Interiano Elfarnawany, Ambassador of the Republic of El Salvador presented their Letters of Credence to President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin on 10 February 2022.
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Ambassadors Present their Credentials 16 September, 2022 His Excellency, Mr. Adil Yousif Omer Bannaga, Ambassador of the Republic of the Sudan, Her Excellency, Mrs. Kairi Künka, Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia and His Excellency, Mr. Andrej Droba, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic presented their Letters of Credence to President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin on 16 September, 2022
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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.
Judicial Appointments 2021
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.
His Honour Judge Colin Daly, Circuit Court
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.
18 February 2021 Judge Joanne Carroll Cephas Power, District Court 15 March 2021
16 March 2021 His Honour Judge Paul Kelly, President District Court 14 May 2021 Her Honour Judge Orla Crowe, Circuit Court 2 June 2021 Judge Raymond Finnegan, District Court 30 August 2021 The Hon. Mr. Justice David Barniville, Appeals Court 5 September 2021 Judge Máire Conneely, District Court Judge Breandán O’Raghallaigh District court 5 October 2021 The Hon. Mr. Justice David Holland, High Court The Hon. Mr. Justice Cian Ferriter, High Court The Hon. Ms. Justice Emily Egan, High Court The Hon. Ms. Justice Caroline Biggs, High Court 15 October 2021 Judge Patricia Cronin, District Court
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6 December 2021
Judge Michèle Finan, District Court
The Hon. Ms. Justice Karen O’Connor, High Court
Judge Andrew J. Cody, District Court
The Hon. Mr. Justice Conor Dignam, High Court The Hon. Ms. Justice Siobhán Phelan, High Court 13 December 2021 His Honour Judge Dara Hayes, Circuit Court
Judicial Appointments 2022
20 May 2022 Judge Conor Fottrell, District Court 24 June 2022 The Hon. Mr. Justice Senan Allen, Court of Appeal 13 July 2022
13 January 2022 The Hon. Ms. Justice Marguerite Bolger, High Court
The Hon. Mr. Justice David Barniville, President of the High Court
The Hon. Mr. Justice Rory McCabe, High Court
The Hon. Ms. Justice Eileen Roberts, High Court
21 February 2022
19 July 2022
The Hon. Mr. Justice Brian Murray, Supreme Court
His Honour Judge John Richard Martin, Circuit Court
The Hon. Mr. Justice Justice Kerida Naidoo, High Court 1 March 2022
21 September 2022 Judge Vincent Deane, District Court
Her Honour Judge Catherine Staines, Circuit Court Judge Éiteáin Cunningham, District Court President of the District Court, Justice Paul Kelly The Hon. Ms. Justice Siobhan Stack
17 October 2022 The Hon. Ms. Justice Nuala Butler, S.C., Court of Appeal 24 October 2022
3 March 2022
Her Honour Judge Elva Duffy, Circuit Court
The Hon. Mr. Justice Donald Binchy
28 November 2022
The Hon. Mr. Justice Paul Burns
Judge Ciaran Liddy, District Court
8 March 2022 His Honour Judge Michael P. Walsh, Circuit Court
Judge Susan Fay, District Court 29 November 2022
9 May 2022 His Honour Judge Kenneth John Connolly, Circuit Court
The Hon. Mr. Justice Maurice Collins, Supreme Court The Hon. Ms. Justice Melanie Greally, High Court
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President appoints The Hon. Mr. Justice Senan Allen as a Judge of the Court of Appeal – June 2022 On 24 June, in a ceremony at Áras an Uachtaráin, President Higgins appointed Mr. Justice Senan Allen as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Also in attendance were An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar T.D., Secretary General to the Government John Callinan, Mr. Hugh Allen, Mr. Geoff Allen, Ms. Chloé Lasnet and Mr. Eliott Allen. President Michael D. Higgins and The Hon. Mr. Justice Senan Allen
President appoints The Hon. Mr. Justice David Barniville as President of the High Court and The Hon. Ms. Justice Eileen Roberts to the High Court – July 2022 On 13 July, in a ceremony at Áras an Uachtaráin, President Higgins appointed Mr. Justice David Barniville S.C. as President of the High Court and Ms. Justice Eileen Roberts S.C. to the High Court. Also in attendance were Taoiseach Micheál Martin T.D., Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee T.D., Attorney General, Paul Gallagher S.C. and Secretary General of Dept. of Taoiseach and the Government, John Callinan.
President Michael D. Higgins and The Hon. Mr. Justice David Barniville
President Michael D. Higgins and The Hon. Ms. Justice Eileen Roberts
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LEGISLATION During 2021, President Higgins signed fifty Bills into law and in 2022 the President signed fifty two Bills into law. The Houses of the Oireachtas (Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann) are responsible for passing bills, but it is not until Bills are signed by the President that they become law. The President’s role in this context is to consider whether Bills presented to him are compatible with the Constitution. The President cannot veto a Bill simply because he doesn’t agree with its provisions, but other than Money Bills or Bills to amend the Constitution, where he has doubts over a Bill’s constitutionality, he can, after consulting with the Council of State refer it to the Supreme Court to make a determination in this regard. If the Supreme Court finds that the Bill, or any part of it, is unconstitutional, the President cannot sign the Bill and it is not enacted. However, if the Court holds that the Bill is constitutional, the President signs the Bill and it becomes law. In this situation, under article 34 of Bunreacht na hÉireann, the constitutionality of this legislation, or the provision of the Bill that had been referred to the Supreme Court, cannot be challenged at a later stage. In the case of a disagreement between the Dáil and the Seanad, members of the Oireachtas may petition the President not to sign a Bill on the grounds that it contains a proposal of such national importance that the will of the people should be sought, in the form of a referendum. Such a petition requires a majority of the Seanad and at least one third of the Dáil. This provision of the Constitution has never been exercised.
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The following are the Bill signed in 2021:
•
Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2021 (Act No. 35 of 2021) (Signed on 26th November, 2021).
•
Child and Family Agency (Amendment) Act 2021 (Act No. 34 of 2021) (Signed on 24th November, 2021).
•
Defence (Amendment) Act 2021 (Act No. 33 of 2021) (Signed on 9th November, 2021).
•
Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 (Act No. 32 of 2021) (Signed on 23rd July, 2021).
•
Finance (Local Property Tax) (Amendment) Act 2021 (Act No. 31 of 2021) (Signed on 22nd July, 2021).
•
Companies (Rescue Process For Small and Micro Companies) Act 2021 (Act No. 30 of 2021) (Signed on 22nd July, 2021).
•
Workplace Relations (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021 (Act No. 29 of 2021) (Signed on 22nd July, 2021).
•
Criminal Justice (Smuggling of Persons) Act 2021 (Act No. 42 of 2021) (Signed on 15th December, 2021).
Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2021 (Act No. 28 of 2021) (Signed on 22nd July, 2021).
•
Houses of the Oireachtas Commission (Amendment) Act 2021 (Act No. 41 of 2021) (Signed on 15th December, 2021).
Nursing Homes Support Scheme (Amendment) Act 2021 (Act No. 27 of 2021) (Signed on 22nd July, 2021).
•
Land Development Agency Act 2021 (Act No. 26 of 2021) (Signed on 21st July, 2021).
•
Affordable Housing Act 2021 (Act No. 25 of 2021) (Signed on 21st July, 2021).
•
Health (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 2021 (Act No. 24 of 2021) (Signed on 21st July, 2021).
•
Finance (Covid-19 and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021 (Act No. 23 of 2021) (Signed on 19th July, 2021).
•
CervicalCheck Tribunal (Amendment) Act 2021 (Act No. 22 of 2021) (Signed on 16th July, 2021).
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Sale of Tickets (Cultural, Entertainment, Recreational and Sporting Events) Act 2021 (Act No. 21 of 2021) (Signed on 14th July, 2021).
•
Maritime Area Planning Act 2021 (Act No. 50 of 2021) (Signed on 23rd December, 2021).
•
Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021 (Act No. 49 of 2021) (Signed on 22nd December, 2021).
•
Companies (Corporate Enforcement Authority) Act 2021 (Act No. 48 of 2021) (Signed on 22nd December, 2021).
•
Health Insurance (Amendment) Act 2021(Act No. 47 of 2021) (Signed on 22nd December, 2021).
•
Health and Criminal Justice (Covid-19) (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 2021 (Act No. 46 of 2021) (Signed on 21st December, 2021).
•
Finance Act 2021 (Act No. 45 of 2021) (Signed on 21st December, 2021).
•
Social Welfare Act 2021 (Act No. 44 of 2021) (Signed on 18th December, 2021).
•
Appropriation Act 2021 (Act No. 43 of 2021) (Signed on 17th December, 2021).
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•
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Planning and Development (Amendment) (Largescale Residential Development) Act 2021 (Act No. 40 of 2021) (Signed on 14th December, 2021).
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Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2021 (Act No. 39 of 2021) (Signed on 11th December, 2021).
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Finance (European Stability Mechanism and Single Resolution Fund) Act 2021 (Act No. 38 of 2021) (Signed on 9th December, 2021).
•
Health (Amendment) (No. 3) Act 2021 (Act No. 37 of 2021) (Signed on 9th December, 2021).
•
Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2021 (Act No. 36 of 2021) (Signed on 8th December, 2021).
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•
Gender Pay Gap Information Act 2021 (Act No. 20 of 2021) (Signed on 13th July, 2021).
• •
•
Private Security Services (Amendment) Act 2021 (Act No. 19 of 2021) (Signed on 12th July, 2021).
Family Leave and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2021 (Act No. 4 of 2021) (Signed on 27th March, 2021).
•
Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2021 (Act No. 18 of 2021) (Signed on 10th July, 2021).
Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) (Amendment) Act 2021 (Act No. 3 of 2021) (Signed on 18th March, 2021).
•
Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) (Amendment) Act 2021 (Act No. 2 of 2021) (Signed on 18th March, 2021).
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Health (Amendment) Act 2021 (Act No. 1 of 2021) (Signed on 7th March, 2021).
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Residential Tenancies (No. 2) Act 2021 (Act No. 17 of 2021) (Signed on 9th July, 2021
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Counterfeiting Act 2021 (Act No. 16 of 2021) (Signed on 5th July, 2021).
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Public Service Pay Act 2021 (Act No. 15 of 2021) (Signed on 5th July, 2021).
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Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021 (Act No. 14 of 2021) (Signed on 2nd July, 2021).
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The following are the Bill signed in 2022: •
Criminal Justice (Perjury and Related Offences) Act 2021 (Act No. 13 of 2021) (Signed on 21st June, 2021).
Local Government (Maternity Protection and Other Measures for Members of Local Authorities) Act 2022 (Act No. 52 of 2022) (Signed on 21 December, 2022).
•
Health and Criminal Justice (Covid-19) (Amendment) Act 2021 (Act No. 12 of 2021) (Signed on 6th June, 2021).
National Tourism Development Authority (Amendment) Act 2022 (Act No. 51 of 2022) (Signed on 21 December, 2022).
•
Tailte Éireann Act 2022 (Act No. 50 of 2022) (Signed on 21 December, 2022).
•
Health Insurance (Amendment) Act 2022 (Act No. 49 of 2022) (Signed on 21 December, 2022).
•
Water Environment (Abstractions and Associated Impoundments) Act 2022 (Act No. 48 of 2022) (Signed on 20 December, 2022).
•
Planning and Development, Heritage and Broadcasting (Amendment) Act 2021 (Act No. 11 of 2021) (Signed on 30th May, 2021).
•
Personal Insolvency (Amendment) Act 2021 (Act No. 10 of 2021) (Signed on 26th May, 2021).
•
Loan Guarantee Schemes Agreements (Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland) Act 2021 (Act No. 9 of 2021) (Signed on 25th May, 2021).
•
•
Education (Leaving Certificate 2021) (Accredited Grades) Act 2021 (Act No. 8 of 2021) (Signed on 25th May, 2021).
Planning and Development and Foreshore (Amendment) Act 2022 (Act No. 47 of 2022) (Signed on 20 December, 2022).
•
•
Criminal Procedure Act 2021 (Act No. 7 of 2021) (Signed on 24th May, 2021).
Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Act 2022 (Act No. 46 of 2022) (Signed on 17 December, 2022).
•
•
Children (Amendment) Act 2021 (Act No. 6 of 2021) (Signed on 26th April, 2021).
Appropriation Act 2022 (Act No. 45 of 2022) (Signed on 16 December, 2022).
•
•
Residential Tenancies Act 2021 (Act No. 5 of 2021) (Signed on 30th March, 2021).
Finance Act 2022 (Act No. 44 of 2022) (Signed on 15 December, 2022).
•
Social Welfare Act 2022 (Act No. 43 of 2022) (Signed on 15 December, 2022)
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•
Personal Injuries Resolution Board Act 2022 (Act No. 42 of 2022) (Signed on 13 December, 2022).
•
Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Act 2022 (Act No. 27 of 2022) (Signed on 21 July, 2022).
•
Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022 (Act No. 41 of 2022) (Signed on 10 December, 2022).
•
Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 (Act No. 26 of 2022) (Signed on 21 July, 2022).
•
Air Navigation and Transport Act 2022 (Act No. 40 of 2022) (Signed on 7 December, 2022).
•
•
Water Services (Amendment) Act 2022 (Act No. 39 of 2022) (Signed on 7 December, 2022).
Communications (Retention of Data) (Amendment) Act 2022 (Act No. 25 of 2022) (Signed on 21 July, 2022).
•
Credit Guarantee (Amendment) Act 2022 (Act No. 38 of 2022) (Signed on 2 December, 2022).
Sick Leave Act 2022 (Act No. 24 of 2022) (Signed on 20 July, 2022).
•
Payment of Wages (Amendment)(Tips and Gratuities) Act 2022 (Act No. 23 of 2022) (Signed on 20 July, 2022).
• •
Consumer Rights Act 2022 (Act No. 37 of 2022) (Signed on 7 November, 2022).
•
Bretton Woods Agreements (Amendment) Act 2022 (Act No. 36 of 2022) (Signed on 1 November, 2022).
•
Education (Provision in Respect of Children with Special Needs) Act 2022 (Act No. 22 of 2022) (Signed on 19 July, 2022).
•
Development (Emergency Electricity Generation) Act 2022 (Act No. 35 of 2022) (Signed on 29 October, 2022).
•
Child Care (Amendment) Act 2022 (Act No. 21 of 2022) (Signed on 19 July, 2022).
•
Residential Tenancies (Deferment of Termination Dates of Certain Tenancies) Act 2022 (Act No. 34 of 2022) (Signed on 29 October, 2022).
Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) (No.2) Act 2022 (Act No. 20 of 2022) (Signed on 18 July, 2022).
•
Garda Síochána (Compensation) Act 2022 (Act No. 33 of 2022) (Signed on 24 October, 2022).
Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 (Act No. 19 of 2022) (Signed on 14 July, 2022).
•
Institutional Burials Act 2022 (Act No. 18 of 2022) (Signed on 13 July, 2022).
•
Eirgrid, Electricity and Turf (Amendment) Act 2022 (Act No. 17 of 2022) (Signed on 7 July, 2022).
•
• •
Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 (Act No. 32 of 2022) (Signed on 15 October, 2022).
•
Higher Education Authority Act 2022 (Act No. 31 of 2022) (Signed on 12 October, 2022).
•
Defence Forces (Evidence) Act 2022 (Act No. 16 of 2022) (Signed on 6 July, 2022).
•
Electoral Reform Act 2022 (Act No. 30 of 2022) (Signed on 25 July, 2022).
•
•
Planning and Development, Maritime and Valuation (Amendment) Act 2022 (Act No. 29 of 2022) (Signed on 24 July, 2022).
Regulation of Providers of Building Works and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 (Act No. 15 of 2022) (Signed on 5 July, 2022).
•
Birth Information and Tracing Act 2022 (Act No. 14 of 2022) (Signed on 30 June, 2022).
•
Consumer Credit (Amendment) Act 2022 (Act No. 13 of 2022) (Signed on 29 June, 2022).
•
Competition (Amendment) Act 2022 (Act No. 12 of 2022) (Signed on 29 June, 2022).
•
Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (Act No. 28 of 2022) (Signed on 23 July, 2022).
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•
Insurance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 (Act No. 11 of 2022) (Signed on 27 June, 2022).
• •
•
•
Garda Síochána (Amendment) Act 2022 (Act No. 10 of 2022) (Signed on 17 June, 2022).
Consumer Protection (Regulation of Retail Credit and Credit Servicing Firms) Act 2022 (Act No. 5 of 2022) (Signed on 11 April, 2022).
•
Finance (Covid-19 and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 (Act No. 9 of 2022) (Signed on 2 June, 2022).
Animal Health and Welfare and Forestry (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 (Act No. 4 of 2022) (Signed on 4 April, 2022).
•
Redundancy Payments (Amendment) Act 2022 (Act No. 3 of 2022) (Signed on 31 March, 2022).
•
Sea Fisheries (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 (Act No. 2 of 2022) (Signed on 15 March, 2022).
•
Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Act 2022 (Act No. 1 of 2022) (Signed on 4th March, 2022).
Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Casualties) (Amendment) Act 2022 (Act No. 8 of 2022) (Signed on 16 May, 2022).
•
Garda Síochána (Functions and Operational Areas) Act 2022 (Act No. 7 of 2022) (Signed on 4 May, 2022).
•
Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 (Act No. 6 of 2022) (Signed on 12 April, 2022).
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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 2021 Total
559
Ireland
468
Female
379
Male
89
Overseas
91
Female
77
Male
14
Coins 2021 Total
726
Ireland
608
Female
512
Male
96
Overseas
118
Female
109
Male
9
Centenarians’ Messages Issued 2022 Total
476
Ireland
401
Female
329
Male
72
Overseas
75
Female
63
Male
12
Coins 2022 Total
758
Ireland
647
Female
544
Male
103
Overseas
111
Female
97
Male
14
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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 applicable International Standards on Accounting (ISAs) as promulgated by the International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions and accounting rules and procedures laid down by the Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. 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. Details of expenditure by the Office of the President are also published on the Áras an Uachtaráin website, www.president.ie
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In €1,000s 2021
2022
1,878
1,909
Travel and Subsistence
42
104
Training and Development
11
7
Professional, Consultancy and Other Services
179
185
Operating Expenses
106
270
Asset and Equipment Expenses
41
32
Premises and Accommodation Expenses
-
2
Communications and Marketing Expenses
84
74
Centenarian Bounty
1,442
1,246
Appropriations-in-Aid
(112)
(110)
TOTAL
3,671
3,719
Salaries, Wages and Allowances
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. To offset emissions associated with Official Air Travel undertaken in 2021 and 2022 the Office of the Secretary General to the President paid an amount of €2,107 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.
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 book and organise the President’s 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. 133 2021 & 2022 IN REVIEW
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. 2021
2022
1. Food & Beverages
€90,001
€153,911
2. Hospitality & Entertaining
€45,237
€76,592
3. Transport, Gifts and Related Costs
€10,193
€14,020
Sub-total
€145,431
€244,523
Foreign travel and diplomacy
€4,522
€9,887
Books, research, stationery and postage
€16,931
€9,615
Total spend
€166,884
€264,025
Surplus
€150,550
€53,409
In-house events
These figures relate to spending under the 1938 Allowance for the period 1 January 2021 – 31 December 2021 and for the period 1 January 2022 – 31 December 2022. During the seven years of his first 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. 134 2021 & 2022 IN REVIEW
BIODIVERSITY AT ÁRAS AN UACHTARÁIN The grounds of Áras an Uachtaráin represent a unique natural and cultural landscape that is both a part of the historic Phoenix Park and a biodiversity-rich space. At the request of President Michael D. Higgins, the Office of Public Works commissioned Trinity College Dublin’s School of Natural Science to conduct a biodiversity audit of Áras an Uachtaráin and its grounds. The final report, published in October 2020, identified and catalogued nearly 300 species of plant, nearly 200 species of fungi, more than 50 species of bird, and nearly 250 species of invertebrates. The wildlife that share the grounds of Áras an Uachtaráin range from the charismatic black and white badgers that have taken up residence in an old tunnel by the Icehouse to the cave spiders that share this dark site, and from the night-flying macro moths to the day-flying bumble bees, the biodiversity of Áras an Uachtaráin is considerable.
Pond at Áras an Uachtaráin
Recommendations & Grasslands The biodiversity audit made 49 recommendations in total in relation to biodiversity at Áras an Uachtaráin, which the Office of Public Works have been implementing since. During July 2021, the Office of Public Works and the National Parks & Wildlife Service commenced the development of species rich grasslands at Áras an Uachtaráin with the goal of supporting and promoting an array of biodiversity, including floral diversity, invertebrates and birds. Measures that have been implemented include mowing and grazing at sustainable rates and avoiding artificial inputs to reduce the nutrient loading in the soil. Grassland restoration techniques including green-hay strewing and adding yellow rattle seed and plugs have also been trialled.
One of a number of Log sanctuaries for invertebrates in the Áras woodlands
Pollination within the Áras Gardens
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Dexter Cattle
Beekeeping & Other Measures
Dexter Cattle, a rare native breed of cattle, made the grounds of Áras an Uachtaráin their home during autumn 2022. The Dexter Cattle reduce grass on the grounds ahead of the spring and summer months, allowing for more species to flower and flourish, benefitting nature and soil, but also our agricultural and cultural heritage as well as promoting the genetic diversity of Ireland’s cattle.
Honey production has been ongoing at Áras an Uachtaráin for nearly 15 years. The hives in Áras an Uachtaráin under the care of the gardeners have won awards for their taste and quality. In 2021 and 2022, spring-flowering floral resources were planted and mud patches near the Kitchen Garden walls were created to encourage mason bees. Nesting habitats have been created for solitary bees close to floral resources. Pollinator friendly herbaceous plants are used in the flower borders and yellow rattle has been planted in the grasslands to reduce the dominant grasses, allowing the biodiversity at Áras an Uachtaráin to thrive.
President Michael D. Higgins with the Dexter cattle grazing in the paddocks
Facilitating Bee research with UCD within the Orchards at Áras Images Courtesy of the Office of Public Works
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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 137 2021 & 2022 IN REVIEW
Áras an Uachtaráin, D08E1W3 www.president.ie @PresidentIRL
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