Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee are in Guernsey, in the Channel Islands, for a summit meeting of the British-Irish Council.
The council is the institution that brings together the eight governments that operate in Britain and Ireland and offshore islands.
This year’s summit will include discussions on early years systems to support children and families, including consideration of age-appropriate digital access and wellbeing.
Leaders will also discuss wider political developments, including international affairs.
The summit will be hosted by the Government of Guernsey’s Chief Minister, Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, and attended by representatives of the governments of all eight member administrations.
It is the 45th summit meeting of the council, which was set up by the Good Friday Agreement to improve east-west government links.
Speaking before the summit, the Taoiseach said: “The British-Irish Council offers an opportunity to meet with our nearest neighbours to exchange ideas and discuss issues that affect us all, a core component of the Good Friday Agreement.
“This summit’s theme of supporting healthy and happy childhoods, and early years is a priority for my Government.
“I look forward to hearing the insights and learnings from others while in Guernsey.”
Helen McEntee said ‘protecting children online will be one of my key priorities at this summit’
Mr Martin added that digital technologies “in particular are becoming an increasingly larger part of children’s lives, and it is essential we provide evidence-informed guidance to parents and educators”.
The British government announced last month that it will legislate to restrict social media access for those under 16 years old following similar moves in some other countries.
Minster McEntee said: “Protecting children online will be one of my key priorities at this summit.
“As digital technologies become an ever-greater part of children’s lives, we must work together to ensure they have access to age-appropriate, safe and empowering digital experiences that support their learning, development and wellbeing.”
She added that through “closer collaboration, shared expertise and coordinated action, we can develop effective solutions that better protect children across these islands”.
The British government is expected to be represented by Chief Secretary to the Prime Minster and Minster for Intergovernmental Relations Darren Jones.
The British-Irish Council is an intergovernmental organisation established in 1998 under strand three of the Good Friday Agreement.
It comprises of the Government and the UK government, along with the devolved administrations of the United Kingdom.