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President gives an address at the “Brexit, Ireland and the Future of Europe” conference

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On Thursday 25 January President Higgins gave the keynote address at the conference on “Brexit, Ireland and the Future of Europe.”

In his speech, the President welcomed the increase in public debate about the EU and the future of European cooperation, highlighting that the Union cannot be reconstructed from above, but must be renewed by focusing on the EU’s relevance for its citizens and the challenges they face.

The President said that the challenges which will test the European Union – climate change, global migration, the future of work – can only be met by restoring social cohesion and by strengthening those institutions that unite and protect solidarity in society.

Speech At The Diplomatic Corps 2018 New Year’s Greeting Ceremony

On Wednesday 24 January, President Higgins will give his traditional New Year’s address to members of the diplomatic corps.

The President will host a reception for the Ambassadors and consular representatives of some 60 countries that have diplomatic relations with Ireland, and give a speech reflecting on the importance of international diplomacy and respect for human rights.

President presents Liam Neeson with Distinguished Service for the Irish Abroad Award