Question:
228 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when the next meeting of the British-Irish Council will take place; the agenda in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1018/01]
Written Answers. - British-Irish Council.
As the Deputy is aware, the British-Irish Council summit meeting, scheduled to take place in Dublin on 23 January, was postponed to facilitate the continuing discussions between the two Governments and the pro-agreement parties. Efforts are now under way to reschedule the meeting in consultation with the members of the British-Irish Council, and we look forward to hosting the meeting as soon as possible.
The main item for discussion at the forthcoming summit will be the issue of drugs, the area of work for which Ireland has taken the lead role within the British-Irish Council. The summit will also review progress in the other areas of the work of the Council as agreed at the first British-Irish Council summit.