The top European Union official dealing with Britain's exit from the bloc is due in Ireland today.

Michel Barnier is the newly-appointed EU Commission's chief Brexit negotiator.

He will meet with the Taoiseach Enda Kenny and some other officials for discussions.

Mr Barnier reports directly to the President of the EU Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker.

It has been reported that the Government is keen to have an Irish representation on his team as Brexit preparations continue.

Mr Barnier is a former vice-president of the European Commission and a former French minister.

It comes as the UK government has tabled a surprise amendment to prevent Conservative MPs voting with the opposition for extra parliamentary scrutiny on the Brexit process.

In a move described by opposition sources as a "huge climbdown", the British government tried to persuade several Tory MPs to refuse to back Labour's Opposition Day motion, which called for the parliament to be able to scrutinise a plan before Article 50 is triggered.

On Tuesday, the British government offered an amendment to accept extra scrutiny as long as it "does not undermine the negotiating position of the government".

While this week, a court case begins which seeks to force the British government to hold a vote in parliament before triggering Article 50.