Australian Prime Minister John Howard is to pay an official visit to Ireland later this month, when he will have talks with the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, and address the Dáil.
The four-day visit, starting on 20 May, is Mr Howard's first visit to Ireland, and the first by an Australian Prime Minister since 1993.
Mr Howard will meet President Mary McAleese, as well as spending time with figures from the Ireland-Australia business community.
A Government statement said the visit will 'focus on strengthening the historically close and increasingly dynamic relationship between the two countries,' particularly in the economic area.
