British-Irish Council

HC Deb 15 March 1999 vol 327 cc441-2W

Mr. Worthington

To ask the Prime Minister when the British-Irish Council will be established; and if he will make a statement. [76999]

The Prime Minister

The British-Irish Council (BIC) will be established immediately on entry into force of the Good Friday Agreement reached at Belfast on 10 April 1998. Membership of the BIC will comprise representatives of the British and Irish Government, of the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey. Its secretariat will be provided by the British and Irish Governments in co-ordination with officials of each of the other members. I have asked the Minister for the Cabinet Office to take responsibility within the British Government for matters relating to the BIC, including the necessary preparatory work.