§ Rev. Martin Smythasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the work of the Anglo-Irish Encounter Group in 1984.
§ Mr. RentonAs a result of the recommendation of the Anglo-Irish Joint Studies Group (Cmnd. 8414), Encounter was initiated in July 1983 by the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland Governments as an independent non-governmental organisation. Its purpose is to organise periodic conferences and seminars, with a wide range of representation, on economic, social, cultural and other matters of common concern with a view to promoting mutual understanding, useful co-operation and good relations. It held two conferences in 1984.
§ Rev. Martin Smythasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will give the dates and locations of meetings of the Anglo-Irish Encounter Group since July 1983 and the subjects discussed.
§ Mr. RentonThree Encounter conferences have been held since July 1983:
- 4 April 1984, London—
- Theme: improving work prospects in Great Britain and Ireland.
- 27–28 November 1984, Dublin—
- Theme: the promotion amongst the young of a greater respect for religious and cultural diversity.
- 26–27 March 1985, London—
- Theme: Increasing the appreciation of our cultural heritage.
§ Rev. Martin Smythasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the chairmen and officials currently working in a temporary capacity on (a) the steering committee and (b) the co-ordinating committee of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Council; and if he will make a statement on the work of these two committees.
§ Mr. RentonThe steering committee and co-ordinating committee of the Anglo-Irish450W Intergovernmental Council are chaired by senior United Kingdom officials and their Republic of Ireland counterparts. Other officials attend meetings of these committees depending on the subjects under discussion. It is not our practice to reveal the names of the officials concerned. The committees have provided valuable opportunities for discussions on matters of mutual interest to both sides.