The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has said Ireland fully shares the ideal of Pope Benedict XVI's World Day of Peace statement.
It places peace and the dignity of the human person at the centre of the world's concerns.
Mr Ahern said Ireland was prepared to use its resources as a wealthy and developed nation to help those who need assistance.
Referring to Northern Ireland, Mr Ahern said he hoped that the work of building a just and lasting peace was nearing completion.
