merrion street

The Taoiseach will travel to London today [Monday] to meet British Prime Minister David Cameron in Downing Street to conclude and publish plans for the development of British Irish relations over the next decade.

At their January meeting, the two leaders decided that the time was right for a strengthening of bilateral relations. They agreed to meet again in March, to finalise and publish a joint statement.

This statement is expected to set out plans for closer bilateral engagement in a range of areas to increase economic cooperation, trade and investment between the two countries. It is also expected to reaffirm the two leaders’ commitment to the Northern Ireland peace process, and to continued close cooperation in Europe and on global issues.

The Taoiseach’s visit to Britain today comes as part of the build-up of the traditional St Patrick’s Day celebrations at home and abroad.

During today’s visit, the Taoiseach will also attend the London launch of the British Irish Chamber of Commerce. This launch, which will take place at the Irish Embassy, follows the successful Dublin launch of the Chamber last year.

The Taoiseach will then travel to the Houses of Parliament where he will visit a commemorative exhibition in Westminster Hall to coincide with the centenary of the Third Home Rule Bill. He will then attend the annual CHAMP St Patrick’s Day event which also takes place in the Houses of Parliament. This year’s event is sponsored by Tourism Ireland.