New Ambassadors present Credentials - 8 April 2025

Her Excellency, Constanza Figueroa, Ambassador of Chile, and His Excellency, Dennis King, Ambassador of Canada, presented their Letters of Credence to President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin today.

Her Excellency, Constanza Figueroa, Ambassador of Chile, was accompanied by her son Mr. Francisco Velasco Figueroa and Mr. Pablo Solar, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Chile.

His Excellency, Dennis King, Ambassador of Canada was accompanied by his spouse Ms. Jana Hemphill and Mr. David Kyffin, Head of Political and Public Affairs at the Embassy of Canada.

Niall Collins, Minister of State at the Department of Justice with special responsibility for International Law, Law Reform and Youth Justice attended to represent the government.

The following were also present: Ms. Orla O’ Hanrahan, Secretary General to the President; Ms. Fiona Penollar, Director General, Citizen Services Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Dr. Eamonn McKee, Chief of Protocol, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Col. Tom McGrath, Comdt. Brian Walsh, Comdt. Deirdre Newell, and Capt. Pol O’Donnell, Aides-de-Camp to the President; and Mr. Joe Brennan, Protocol, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The Ambassadors were accompanied to and from Áras an Uachtaráin by an Escort of Honour consisting of a motorcycle detachment drawn from the 2 Brigade Cavalry Squadron, Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin under the command of Lieutenant Stephen Meegan.

A Guard of Honour was provided at Áras an Uachtaráin by the 1 Brigade Artillery Regiment, Collins Barracks, Co. Cork under the command of Lieutenant David Groome.

Lieutenant Jack Sheahan from the 1 Brigade Artillery Regiment, Collins Barracks, Co. Cork as the flag officer.

Captain Tom Kelly conducted the No. 1 Army Band, which is based in Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin.