This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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British Irish Council - Ministers look forward to close co-operation
16/12/1998
Scottish Secretary Donald Dewar today met Northern Ireland Secretary, Mo Mowlam and Alun Michael, Secretary of State for Wales to discuss progress on the British Irish Council, which will be set up as part of the Belfast Agreement. Richard Caborn, Minister for the Regions, also attended today's meeting.
The Ministers discussed the preparations underway, in consultation with the Irish Government and other members, for the first meeting of the BIC. Dr Mowlam briefed her colleagues on the background to the BIC and the current state of political developments in implementing the Belfast Agreement.
After the meeting Dr Mowlam said:
"The BIC will Provide all parts of the United Kingdom with a unique method of practical co-operation, both with each other and with Ireland. Preparations are underway for the BIC's first meeting, and members will be considering at an early opportunity possible topics for discussion at the BIC."
Mr Dewar said: "The BIC will be a forum in which issues that matter to everyone within these islands can be discussed in a constructive atmosphere. I am sure that Scottish Ministers next May will see the BIC as an important opportunity."
Mr Michael said: "We are looking forward in Wales to this new opportunity to develop strong relationships between the respective parts of the UK and with Ireland. We will play a full part in the British-Irish Council."
BACKGROUND
1. Under the terms of the Belfast agreement, the British-Irish Council will "promote the harmonious and mutually beneficial development of the totality of relationships among the peoples of these islands. The BIC will exchange information, discuss, consult and use best endeavours to reach agreement on co-operation on matters of mutual interest".
2. Membership will comprise representatives of the British and Irish Governments, devolved institutions in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, when established, and, if appropriate, elsewhere in the United Kingdom, together with representatives of the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.
3. Northern Island Political Development Minister Paul Murphy outlined the preparations underway for the BIC on 4 December (Northern Ireland Office Press Notice L180/98 refers).
News Release: 2667/98
16 December 1998