Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
97. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the preparations he is making for the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference at end of July 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33004/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraA meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference will take place tomorrow, 25 July, in London. The meeting is being prepared through the Joint British-Irish Secretariat in Belfast, supported by officials in my Department and the Department of Justice and Equality and their counterparts in the Northern Ireland Office.
The Government will be represented by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Charles Flanagan T.D., and myself acting as co-chair. The British Government will be represented by David Lidington MP, Minister for the Cabinet Office, and by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Karen Bradley MP.
The British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference is an important institution of the Good Friday Agreement, bringing together the British and Irish Governments under Strand Three of the Agreement to promote bilateral co-operation on matters of mutual interest within the competence of both Governments.
The Conference is an important opportunity for the two Governments to assess the current political situation in Northern Ireland, with a view to securing the effective operation of the devolved, power-sharing Executive and Assembly in Northern Ireland and the resumption of meetings of the North South Ministerial Council at the earliest opportunity. We will also discuss security cooperation, legacy issues, and East West relations.
