President Mary McAleese has described the IRA's decision to decommission its weapons arsenal as "a crucial step" towards peace in Northern Ireland.
In her annual Christmas message, Mrs McAleese said the move would help create "a climate in which trust and friendship can flourish and grow as never before."
She praised those who had worked for peace on the island, saying their work would "be rewarded by the fullest use of the hard-earned opportunities that now exist to build a future for all to be part of and proud of"..
Reflecting on the last year, the President noted "the suffering caused by natural disasters, conflict and poverty in many parts of the world" and how generously Irish people have responded to it.
She said that those working with survivors of those incidents, including our own Defence Forces and aid workers, would be in her thoughts and prayers.
Mrs McAleese also called on Irish people to keep each other safe on the roads and streets this Christmas.