TAOISEACH ENDA KENNY is to chair today’s meeting of the North South Ministerial Council at Farmleigh House where the economy and wider impact of the ongoing eurozone crisis will be among the issues tabled today.

The Northern delegation is being led by First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.

Issues concerning north-south cooperation are expected to be discussed today, including tourism, agriculture, research and innovation. The North West Gateway Initiative, which concerns the development of the north-western region of the island of Ireland, will also feature on the agenda.

Speaking ahead of today’s plenary meeting Enda Kenny said he was looking forward to meeting with Robinson, McGuinness and other members of the Northern Executive.

“These regular meetings provide an impetus to advancing critical North South projects and much-needed all-island economic cooperation,” he said.

“We will have a detailed discussion on the economic challenges facing all parts of this island, including banking reform, fiscal challenges, NAMA and the broader impact of the crisis in the Eurozone.”