Read more: Dalai Lama says ‘vast possibilities are available to the people of Ireland’

The spiritual leader of Tibet, the Dalai Lama, has told the Irish people that they need to work harder and together to overcome the financial crisis.

He said "Hard work, make effort with determination, prosperity (will) come…Now you must work hard, with self-confidence and more co-operation."

The Dalai Lama also called on the people of Ireland to forgive the bankers and politicians who caused Ireland's economic collapse. He urged the people of Ireland not to become discouraged, demoralized or lose hope and said determination, self-confidence and hard work will help the country recover.

Speaking earlier today he also condemned the murder of Catholic police officer Ronan Kerr in Northern Ireland. He branded his murder a senseless act and said that this murder would only serve to heighten the divisions between communities.

The 76-year-old spiritual leader was accompanied to Dublin by Richard Moore the founder of Children in the Crossfire. Moore was shot by a rubber bullet and blinded, in Northern Ireland, when he was a child. He has since met the gunman and has written a book about his story.

The event in Dublin has been organized though Moore's charity group. Over 2,000 people have paid to hear him speak in Dublin on Wednesday. The Dalai Lama will also attend events in Kildare and Limerick City.

The exiled leader will speak about "Universal Responsibility" and how taking action for change is something everyone has a duty to do. Former Irish president and ex-United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson will also speak.

Earlier this year the Tibetan leader announced that he would retire. Parliament will choose his successor on May 20.

Read more: Dalai Lama says ‘vast possibilities are available to the people of Ireland’