The announcement is expected be made outside Government buildings this afternoon.

The comments were made last night at the annual White House shamrock ceremony for St. Patrick's Day.

Speaking in Boston, Leo Varadkar says the "cries of the innocent will haunt us forever if we stay silent".

The 76 year old Dunboyne native died peacefully on Tuesday, following a long illness.

He died peacefully at the Mater Hospital in Dublin early this morning.

Another man - in his 40s - is in a serious condition in hospital and is being treated for gunshot wounds.

A five year old Girl, injured along with two other children and two adults, remains in critical condition today.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will be joined by Fine Gael Government Ministers to discuss a range of issues including ‘Farming and the next Generation’, and the EU and Food Security.