Politicians from Northern Ireland will be allowed for the first time to take part in the workings of the Dáil today.
MPs from the North have been invited to take part in a new committee of the Dáil parliament set up to help implement the Belfast Agreement.
While unionists are not expected to accept seats on the committee, the SDLP and Sinn Féin have welcomed it as a further step in developing all-Ireland relations. Its inaugural meeting will be held in Leinster House.
Northern Ireland representatives to the committee will include the SDLP's south Belfast MP Alastair McDonnell, south Down MP Eddie McGrady, Sinn Féin Fermanagh/south Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew and Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty.
They can take part in debates on the Belfast Agreement but cannot vote or move motions and amendments.
The committee has been criticised by the DUP as being unnecessary.
