ECONOMIC CHALLENGES facing the administrations in both parts of the island are the main item for discussion at a meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council in Dublin today.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen will host Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness at the meeting which is expected to be attended by 26 Ministers from North and South.
The meeting at the State guesthouse, Farmleigh, will also consider how both governments can work together to save money and to improve services. There will be a focus on co-operation in innovation and economic development.
Ministers will also review progress across a range of North-South co-operation, from cancer services in the northwest to cross-border infrastructure development.
Mr Robinson and Mr McGuinness are expected to raise concerns about possible job cuts arising from the sale of First Trust Bank, Northern Ireland subsidiary of the AIB group.
Speaking ahead of the meeting the Taoiseach said: “As we face the continuing challenge of generating economic growth and jobs and achieving fiscal consolidation, North and South, we must work together energetically in whatever ways we can, for mutual benefit.
“The ongoing work of the North-South Ministerial Council can play an increasingly important part in our strategy for economic recovery and can realise benefits for all of the people, North and South.”