THE PRIME Minister of the Czech Republic, Mr Vaclav Klaus, begins a two day visit to Ireland today during which he will meet the Taoiseach and Tanaiste and deliver a lecture in Dublin.

Mr Klaus will meet the leader of the Opposition, Mr Bertie Ahern, in Leinster House this morning, and will also pay courtesy calls on the Ceann Comhairle, Mr Sean Treacy, and the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, Mr Liam Naughten. He will have lunch with the Tanaiste, Mr Spring, before meeting the Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, at Government Buildings.

This evening he will deliver a lecture at the AIB International Centre at the International Financial Services Centre before attending a dinner hosted by Mr Bruton in Dublin Castle.

He will leave tomorrow after a tour of Newgrange and a courtesy, call on the President at Aras an Uachtarin.

Mr Klaus has been Prime Minister of the Czech Republic since June 1992, having served as Deputy Prime Minister since October 1991.