Outgoing Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will spend his last day as leader of the country at a cross-border meeting in Northern Ireland today.
He and other members of the Government will travel to the 27th plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC).
The council is the first time the Government will meet with the Northern Ireland Executive since the restoration of Stormont in early February.
It is also the first plenary meeting of the NSMC since it last met virtually in July 2021, and the first in-person meeting since July 2020.
It will be hosted and chaired by Northern Irish First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.
Discussions are likely to focus on trade and business issues, investment in areas of mutual interest, and ongoing cooperation between the two governments on the island through the restored NSMC.
'A positive moment for the island'
Speaking ahead of the event, Mr Varadkar said the council meeting is “a really significant and positive moment for the island of Ireland”.
“Many of the challenges facing the world today are shared across the island, whether climate change, energy security, good jobs, and ensuring that our workforces have the skills they need for the future.
“I will also take this opportunity to wish the First Minister and deputy First Minister well in their roles to achieve the best for all the people of Northern Ireland.
“We are working with the Executive to build on the peace and prosperity of the last 26 years to make sure it is shared by all.”
The meeting of the two governments comes as the Dáil has announced more investments in projects in Northern Ireland in recent months.
Investments include €50 million set aside for the development of the GAA's Casement Park in Belfast and €600m for a motorway linking Donegal to Monaghan through Tyrone and Derry.
Varadkar out, Harris in
Mr Varadkar stepped down as leader of Fine Gael in mid-March and will officially step down as Taoiseach tomorrow as the Dáil resumes following the Easter recess.
Higher Education Minister Simon Harris, who was appointed the new party leader following an uncontested nomination, is due to be elected Taoiseach tomorrow.
Mr Harris will be attending the meeting in Armagh today and told the Ard Fheis on Saturday he is determined to “improve the lives of everyone across these islands”.
