The university is engaged in a number of projects taking place under the North-South Research Programme

The Tanaiste said he does ‘not anticipate any difficulties’ from the EU side on a deal on trade arrangements for Northern Ireland.

Micheal Martin has already said he will also raise the issue of the global drugs trade during the trip.

Micheál Martin declined to say if he believed he would see a united Ireland in his lifetime, but predicted ‘new political configurations’

Mr Martin also said the Irish government would work with Northern Ireland parties and the British government in exploring “next steps”.