President Mary McAleese tonight hailed the dedication of nurses arriving for the largest nursing conference ever to be held in Ireland.
More than 2,500 nurses from around the world are in Dublin for a four-day conference on the best methods of caring for patients before, during and after operations.
President McAleese told members of the European Operating Room Nurses Association (EORNA) that they had come to Dublin looking to find better ways to do their job.
"You should be very proud of your role in breaking down unnecessary barriers across international frontiers in order to promote a culture of the highest standards of patient care," she said.
In her opening address, President McAleese said Irish nursing had been transformed over the last 12 years, particularly with the introduction of a degree course for new entrants.
"These changes speak of a dynamic profession, wholeheartedly committed to a culture of radical ongoing updating and upskilling. This Congress will contribute considerably to that process," she said.
EORNAC chairwoman Anne O'Brien said the conference would give operating nurses a chance to discuss the latest techniques.
"Nurses will have the opportunity to hear the views of colleagues from America, Australia, Canada and across Europe," she said.
With many of the 2,500 nurses extending their stay in Ireland to a week, the conference is also expected to bring in millions of euro in tourism revenue.