Taoiseach Enda Kenny is developing the concept of an all-island forum to work on issues following the decision by the UK to leave the European Union.

On 23 June 52% of voters in the UK backed a British exit from the EU.

Minister for Health Simon Harris explained the concept of the new forum on RTÉ's The Week in Politics saying it will see groups, both north and south, work on issues of mutual interest in light of the Brexit vote.

The areas of mutual interest cover trade, investment and health, Mr Harris said.

The North South Ministerial Council is meeting tomorrow to consider the implications of the referendum result.

The Council was set up under the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, to develop consultation, co-operation and action within the island of Ireland.

Currently there are six areas of co-operation of common policies: Health, Transport, Education, Agriculture, Environment and Tourism.

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has welcomed the plans for an all-island forum.

"We believe that it is necessary to consider the issues and implications, not least in terms of helping to develop optimum coherence and consensus on how to minimise the adverse economic fallout and ensure growth on the island.

"We must ensure that any border which is erected is only operational around the island of Ireland, not across it.

"This week we have had confirmation that neither the British Government nor the Northern Ireland Executive have put in place contingency plans to deal with the fallout of the referendum result.

"Here on the island of Ireland, we must map the challenges, purposes and priorities that could most affect us, North and South, rather than following the impulses and bad decisions of the British Government," added Mr Eastwood.