President officially opens Care Leavers’ Conference

21-10-16 Speech to Care Leavers conference

President Michael D. Higgins delivered the opening address at a conference celebrating National Care Leavers Day.

In his speech, the President paid tribute to all of the Care Leavers of Ireland, and to organisations such as EPIC and Care Leavers Ireland for empowering young people to vindicate their right to participate in debate and decisions about their future.

The President also spoke of the courage and determination required from, and displayed by, so many young people leaving the care system, and he reminded participants of our duty to build a society that recognises the inherent dignity of all its members, and that allows a voice to disadvantaged and vulnerable people.