EU Ambassadors have unanimously approved the provisional application of the EU-UK trade deal.
The move means the agreement, reached on Christmas Eve, will come into operation on New Year's Day, even though the European Parliament will not give its approval until February.
Members of the British Parliament will vote on Wednesday.
The government here will consider the deal at a cabinet meeting later today, a day ahead of schedule.
Local TD Slams Government Hypocrisy In Trying To Induce Irish To Return Home
Man Appears in Court Over Alleged False Social Media Post About Asylum Seeker
Teacher Shortages Hit Wicklow Hard As Special Schools & DEIS Schools Disproportionately Affected
Dramatic Late Wonder Strike Sends Bray Wanderers Past Treaty United Into Play-Off Final
Wicklow's Fionnuala McCormack Makes History With 10th Place Finish In New York City Marathon