Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 January 2023
82. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his attendance at the recent British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4264/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra121. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his attendance at the recent British-Irish Intergovernmental conference. [4433/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 121 together.
A meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) took place at Farmleigh House, on 19 January 2023.
The Government was represented by myself, Minister Ryan and Minister Harris. The British delegation was led by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris, and Ministers of State Steve Baker, Julia Lopez and Graham Stuart.
We had a comprehensive and rich discussion on a range of issues relating to Northern Ireland and our bilateral relationship.
Our overriding priority is the restoration of the political institutions established under the Good Friday Agreement. We discussed developments in this context and the serious and deepening consequences for people in Northern Ireland arising from the ongoing absence of a fully functioning Northern Ireland Assembly, Executive and North South Ministerial Council.
We discussed the difficult issue of the legacy of the troubles, including our strong concerns in relation to United Kingdom legislation in this area. We took the opportunity to raise issues of concern in respect to a number of individual legacy cases.
We also discussed the importance of security cooperation - and the strength of that security cooperation - with a particular focus on the issue of tackling paramilitarism. The Conference considered the fifth report of the Independent Reporting Commission, including their recommendations on possible mechanisms to progress the transition and disbandment of all remaining paramilitary groups.
What was particularly notable about this recent BIIGC was the breadth of topics under consideration. We had a very rich discussion, led by Minister Ryan, about bilateral cooperation in energy and cybersecurity - two critical issues facing society today and into the future. We also discussed UK proposals for the implementation of an electronic travel authorisation scheme and potential implications it may have for other residents of Ireland and international visitors.
Lastly, the Conference looked ahead to the range of events and activities planned for the Good Friday Agreement’s 25th anniversary year.
