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ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE ON THE OCCASION OF ‘SCHOOLS ENCOUNTER’ DAY

ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE ON THE OCCASION OF ‘SCHOOLS ENCOUNTER’ DAY AT ÁRAS AN UACHTARÁIN ON WEDNESDAY 29 APRIL, 1998

Firstly, I’d like to thank you Ian for coming here this afternoon – to add that ‘professional’ touch to our proceedings. I’d like also to extend a warm welcome – a fáilte mór – to each and every one of you to this – our first ever ‘schools encounter day’ at the Áras. This of course means that you are now part of history – the unfolding story of this great house – a place that has seen so much change as the events of this island’s history have ebbed and flowed over the last several centuries.

Later I will be inviting you to take a closer look at the house and perhaps - if weather and time permit – a stroll in the very interesting and historic grounds. The art and architecture of this house – the place which I now call home – reflect the many changes in generation and use with which it is associated – the British history – the Irish history – and our shared British/Irish history. It has been very carefully preserved and maintained – and is still used not just as a home – but also as a place where we conduct State business - surrounded by the many influences that have made us the people we are today. It bridges the generations and the traditions and – in a very real sense – is a fitting place for us to meet and extend that concept to this and future generations.

Within a few days of my inauguration, we were absolutely overwhelmed by the number of schools and colleges that expressed interest in coming to see the Áras. As you know, I see it as part of my mission as President to promote links and contacts between individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds – to encourage the building of bridges of understanding and respect between the traditions and cultures – and to promote an atmosphere of tolerance and recognition for each other. The obvious focus is on the two main traditions – between the Unionist and Nationalist – and between Catholic and Protestant. But there are other ‘groups’ who are different – and who see themselves as different – groups who can exclude and be excluded – groups who live in some of our poorer communities – groups who suffer exclusion because of geographic isolation – groups who find that they are strangers in a strange land. I want to focus on these groups too – to establish links with and between them – and between them and their opposites.

But it is important to keep in mind that – by building those links and bridges – we are not doing it to dominate each other – but to learn from each other and about each other – and to enrich ourselves in the process. If we approach each other with joyful and generous curiosity – it’s remarkable what comes out of that process – and how much there is to be gained. The more we engage – the more we cross the boundaries and divisions between us – the more we use our full God given resources and energies productively – the more we will be surprised at what we are able to accomplish when we get to know each other – and work together – without the energy-sapping fear and fearfulness that keeps us apart.

Only yesterday I visited a school for mildly mentally handicapped children in County Meath. One of the things that struck me during my visit was the extent to which the school has established links with secondary schools in their area – giving the students an opportunity to bridge a gap in their understanding of the predicament of mildly handicapped children – and most importantly – enriching two sets of lives in the process. To me that one case of productive bridge building says everything – it exemplifies exactly what I mean about the value of building bridges.

Many schools have already set up links with other schools in other localities. We are joined today by a number of schools who will talk about their experiences – about how they made their contacts – and about what it has meant for them. In a short while – after you’ve all had a taste of our Áras ‘tea and buns! - Ian will ask them each to come forward and talk about what they have done. For your added pleasure – we are very honoured to have a number of entertainers who will come in during the presentations – so it should be a very enjoyable experience for all of us. For those of you who have not yet pursued the concept – I hope you find it interesting – and that it might perhaps light a spark of an idea in you to make a move.

After the presentations and performances - I will go to each table to meet you. You will then be invited into the house for a tour of the rooms and the Visitor Centre. I hope you enjoy the remainder of the afternoon - and I look forward to meeting you all later.