President Higgins launches 'Being Young and Irish' workshops

The President has launched the first in a series of nationwide 'Being Young and Irish' workshops in Dublin today.

Up to one hundred 17-26-year-olds heard from Michael D Higgins on how they could "take charge of change".

He is calling on young people to submit ideas on their vision of Ireland's future.

Addressing the gathering at DIT on Bolton Street in Dublin, President Higgins said the initiative is one part of his presidency's contribution towards a transformed Ireland.

"The purpose of the workshop is to define the issues themselves," he said.

He added there would be three further workshops over the next three Saturdays, in Cork, Monaghan and Galway.

The workshops will be followed by a final seminar in Áras an Úachtaráin, where a charter produced by young people will be presented to senior members of the Government and public service.