President Michael D Higgins has addressed the Robert Tressell Festival in Liberty Hall in Dublin.
The annual event, which was held this evening, celebrates author Robert Tressell, who was born Robert Noonan in Dublin in 1870.
His novel 'The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists' is seen as having a major impact on the trade union movement and wider progressive politics.
Other speakers at the festival include Amazon Labour Union leader Chris Smalls, British MP Jeremy Corbyn and RMT trade union leader Mick Lynch.
A number of Irish trade union leaders will also be taking part.
The event will include panel discussions, lectures, musical performances, drama and art exhibitions.
"At the Robert Tressell Festival we celebrate all that the labour and progressive movement has to offer in terms of art and practical solutions to the problems workers face," said Owen Reidy, General Secretary, Irish Congress of Trade Unions.
"The event allows the trade union movement in Ireland to discuss with our international colleagues the best way forward during these increasingly problematic times," Mr Reidy said.
