The President Michael D. Higgins says the exclusion of rights for minority groups - including LGBT people - should not be acceptable.

Mr. Higgins was speaking ahead of his nationwide initiative to introduce ethics into public life and public discourse.

The President has organised 50 events across the island of Ireland to discuss active citizenship and community values.

On the issue of minority groups and specifically on LGBT rights, President Higgins said Irish people are very capable of taking others into account.