British-Irish Council

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 December 2018

Tuesday, 4 December 2018

Questions (14, 15)

Micheál Martin

Question:

14. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the British-Irish Council meeting held on 8 November 2018. [49138/18]

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

15. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the British-Irish Council on the Isle of Man on 8 November 2018. [49533/18]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 15 together.

I attended the 31st British Irish Council (BIC) Summit in the Isle of Man on Friday 9 November, hosted by Chief Minister Howard Quale. I was accompanied by the Minister for Natural Resources, Community Affairs and Digital Development, Sean Canney TD.

The discussion at the summit covered political developments for Administrations since the last summit in June, including on the implications of Brexit, particularly for relationships across the islands. The Council also discussed the current political situation in Northern Ireland and endorsed plans for a future programme of work for the Council’s Digital Inclusion work sector.

I had side meetings with Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in which we exchanged views on issues of mutual interest and continued co-operation. These discussions focused mainly on Brexit and its impacts on business and citizens and on developments in Westminster and Brussels.

I also took the opportunity to speak with UK Cabinet Office Minister David Lidington on Brexit and on the absence of an agreement between the parties on re-establishing the Northern Ireland Executive. I underlined the importance of the restoration of the institutions in the context of full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, and undertook to continue to work with the British government to back the northern parties to achieve this outcome.