Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 February 2024
229. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the issues he proposes to progress at a sectoral level through the work of the North-South Ministerial Council; if meetings will be held at an early date under the auspices of the council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8392/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI look forward to the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) meetings returning after more than two years in abeyance. It is my wish that these meetings should recommence shortly.
The revival of regular NSMC meetings means that the Government and the Northern Ireland Executive will be able to continue to have the important conversations necessary to share experience and consider our shared challenges.
From an agricultural perspective there are a number of perspective areas where I believe Ministerial engagement would be helpful. These include animal and plant health, research, farm safety and climate/environmental challenges. These are all areas where closer engagement and ongoing discussion would be beneficial for all.
