The final cabinet meeting before the summer recess is underway in Glencolcmille, Co. Donegal today.
This is the 7th Government meeting outside of the Capital since 2017.
The last time such a gathering took place in the North West was in 2015 at Lissadell House in Sligo with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar keen to hold a meeting in an Irish Speaking area this time around.
This is the final weekly cabinet meeting before the summer recess with Dail returning in September
A number of politicians, notably Minster for Education, Joe McHugh, learned Irish in Oideas Gael, where the meeting is being held.
Speaking ahead of the cabinet meeting this afternoon, An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar says he is looking forward to meeting with Boris Johnston.
The Fine Gael leader was commenting after The British PM told the House of Commons that Britain would not nominate a European Commissioner and he wanted the backstop arrangement which aimed to harmonise trade between the Republic and the North abolished.
Speaking ahead of the meeting this afternoon An Taoiseach says he is keen to speak to the new British PM.
Donegal is one of the counties that would be hardest hit by a no-deal Brexit.
Business Minister Heather Humphreys says this is more likely now since Boris Johnson became Prime Minister:
Agriculture Minister Michael Creed says Boris Johnson’s government is made up of like minded people- something which he says he is worried about.
Also entering the cabinet meeting in Donegal this afternoon, Independent Alliance Minister says the report into swing-gate would ideally be published.
The Taoiseach has refused to publish the full findings of the investigation into TD Maria Bailey’s court case against a Dublin hotel after she fell off a swing at the premises.
Deputy Bailey was removed as chair of the Oireachtas Housing Committee as punishment.
Independent Alliance Minister Finian McGrath was asked if he’d like to see the full report published:
Children’s Minister Katherine Zappone says positive mental health and well being is absolutely critical for Ireland youth.
Minister Zappone was speaking outside of Oideas Gael this afternoon for the final cabinet meeting before the summer.
She says she wants to continue increasing the budget to address mental health issue with young people.
