A national committee set up to discuss ways to commemorate the Irish potato famine is holding its first meeting in Dublin today.

The Minister for Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Eamon O Cuiv, announced the establishment of the National Famine Commemoration Committee earlier this year.

At the time, the minister said it was appropriate that the event would be commemorated as its effects are still evident in Irish society today.

He said the aftermath of the famine had left Ireland with a legacy of issues concerning food security and had been a significant contributor to the decline in the Irish language.

At its first meeting in Dublin this morning, the group will decide on plans for an annual memorial ceremony to mark the historic event.