President McAleese held a reception at Aras an Uachtarain today to honour volunteer organisations for their contribution towards reconciliation in Northern Ireland.
The President said that the 12th of July was "a day which has such potent significance for so many people on this island and it is an important touchstone on that journey towards reconciliation and real respect."
Voluntary groups from both sides of the border attended the reception. Representatives from the Glencree Centre for Reconciliation, the Mediation Network for Northern Ireland and NI Voluntary Trust were present.
President McAleese praised the volunteers for their invaluable cross community work.
"There is a lot of ground to be made up, but your work in regenerating communities, rebuilding self-confidence and hope, is helping to forge that new future," she said.