President Michael D Higgins has given a special message on the year of 2016

President Michael D Higgins has issued a special message on the significance of 2016 as an important year for Ireland.

The President has said the centenary of the 1916 Rising offers us an opportunity to reflect on events of the past, so that we can build a future that honours the promise of equality and inclusiveness contained in the 1916 Proclamation.