President Michael D Higgins has said Irish people have a long history of emigration and sending money home.
He recalled tough times growing up in 1950s Ireland and how his sisters who were forced to emigrate sent money home "to us who were having a very hard time" in Co Clare.
"Irish people have been going away, and Irish people have been sending back remittances to their families at home, and enabling others to follow, in every phase of Irish history."
The President spoke of how he took the boat himself to work summers abroad to raise funds for his education, leading to an academic and then a political career.
"I say this because this is who the President of Ireland is."
He said facts are important.
"I gave those facts about my family to say how important it is that we look at our history, and how everybody who comes here - irrespective of their ethnic origin - is welcome.
The President said that a stop has to be put to any views that are contrary to this.
He was speaking during a visit to Kinsale Community School, Co Cork, where he also remarked on the school's inclusive nature.
President Higgins unveiled a metal sculpture of the 1916 Proclaimation of Independence, and plaques bearing his name and that of his wife - Sabina Coyne - on the school's wall of fame.
Principal Fergal McCarthy said the visit was a truly historic occasion for the school which was also formally launched as Munster's first Microsoft Showcase School.
