Ireland is to be known as "Eire Ireland" at official European Union meetings in the future, it emerged tonight.
The move follows last year's EU decision to designate Irish as its 21st official and working language from 2007.
The Eire Ireland name change will apply to signage and name plates at Council of Minister meetings and leaders' summits from January 2007.
The Government today approved the measure at its weekly Cabinet meeting in Dublin.
An Government spokesperson said: "The name 'Eire' already appears on all Irish passports, stamps and coins, so it is an entirely consistent move."
Member states like Finland and Belgium already have dual-language status at official EU meetings.
Under the 1937 Constitution, the state can be referred to as the Republic of Ireland, Ireland or Eire.
From 2007, all legislation approved by the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament must be translated into Irish.
Ministers and MEPs will also be able to speak in Irish on request during Council meetings and European Parliament plenary sessions.
Up to 30 jobs for Irish translators and interpreters are expected to be created in the European institutions as a result.
PA