The North's Minister of Trade, Enterprise and Investment, Sir Reg Empey, has called for closer cross-Border economic integration to take advantage of the two economies' close ties.
Addressing a gathering of business people last night, Sir Reg said both governments shared the aim of developing and sustaining a dynamic economy in the face of increasing competition.
"I believe there are tremendous opportunities for closer economic interaction and at a higher level of trade. The Republic of Ireland remains a major export market, but we can do more . . . Now is a pivotal time in the development of the economies in both the north and the south of Ireland," the Minister added.
Meanwhile, the Social Development Minister, Mr Maurice Morrow, has pledged to increase winter fuel payments to £200 in time for Christmas. The increase will also be available to people not in receipt of a pension or benefit.
From next April, pensioners will benefit from a new domestic energy efficiency scheme, Mr Morrow announced. "Elderly people on benefit living in homes with inefficient central heating systems will be eligible for modern, energy- efficient systems," he added.
Members of the Social Development committee voiced their criticism of the Executive's Programme for Government which they said was "more aspirational than practical" and did not contain enough specific targets.
In other Assembly business, the Education Minister, Mr Martin McGuinness, said he would do all in his power to keep small rural schools open and give them equal priority with cross-community and Irish language facilities.