There are eight regions at NUTS III level in Ireland. The NUTS regions for Ireland were agreed between Eurostat and the Irish Government, in line with the minimum and maximum population thresholds set out by Eurostat for the size of NUTS regions. The geographical remit of each region is defined by combining the areas under the jurisdiction of LAU-1 units of local government - the counties and cities of Ireland. Prior to 2014, each region was governed by an associated Regional Assembly. Since that date, the association between Regional Assemblies and NUTS regions has ceased. The NUTS regions are used for statistical reporting to Eurostat, while the Regional Assemblies are responsible for planning at a local government level.