The Government says it does not support any visit to North Korea by a parliamentary delegation.

It’s after Minister of State John Halligan said he wants to meet with the leader of the secretive state – Kim Jong-un – in a bid to calm nuclear tensions.

The Waterford TD has written to the North Korean embassy in London requesting a visit – but has yet to hear back.

In a statement the Department of Foreign Affairs says Minister Coveney has spoken with Minister Halligan and officials will provide him with a full briefing on North Korea next week.