President Michael D Higgins invited hundreds of children to Áras an Uachtaráin today to remember 40 children who died in the 1916 Rising.

A special commemoration ceremony took place in memory of those who lost their lives 100 years ago.

President Higgins addressed the crowd, while a special report on children's views of Ireland - what they like and what they would like changed - was presented to Ministers Heather Humphreys and Katherine Zappone.

Traditional games were set up on the lawn for those in attendance at the commemoration, while a brass band also played.

A time capsule was buried in the grounds of the Áras as part of the ceremony, and a special tree-planting ceremony also took place.

These children are glad to have been involved in the event, and welcomed the opportunity to commemorate the children who died in 1916:

Minister Heather Humphreys said: "I am delighted that children and young people have engaged so positively with the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme through the schools programme and through the consultation process leading up to today's event."

The report found that young people said that drugs, alcohol abuse, racism, bullying and the stereotypical image of Ireland abroad were some of the things they disliked most about Irish society.

It added that inclusivity and the sense of community were aspects that children particularly liked about living here, while they called for better mental health supports and an end to poverty and homelessness.