merrion street

At its meeting today, 6 November 2018, the Government noted the historic re-election of President Higgins by a very significant majority and wished him every success and support in his second term as President of an Ireland.

Conscious of the desire of many Irish people to participate in Armistice centenary commemorations, and of the invitations to Members of the Government to attend ceremonies abroad, President Higgins has asked the Government to make the arrangements for the presidential inauguration ceremony for the evening of the 11th November.

The Government expressed its deep appreciation for this initiative taken by President Higgins.

The Government has asked President Higgins to represent the People of Ireland at the State event in Glasnevin Cemetery to mark the centenary of the Armistice.

Members of the Government will represent the State at a number of ceremonies on Sunday morning:

• The Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, will represent the State at the Armistice centenary commemoration at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
• The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney, will represent the State at commemorations in Belfast.
• The Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys, will represent the State at commemorations in Enniskillen. 
• The Minister for Justice & Equality, Charles Flanagan, will represent the State at a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey in London.
• The Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan, will attend the State Armistice commemoration in Glasnevin Cemetery.
• Other Ministers will attend ceremonies during the day.