Council of the Isles

HC Deb 07 November 2001 vol 374 cc307-8W

Mr. Lazarowicz

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the future programme of meetings of the Council of the Isles. [10862]

Mr. Prescott

The British-lrish Council, brings together the British and Irish Governments, the devolved Administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and the authorities in Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man.

The British-Irish Council meets in different formats. Since the first summit meeting held in London in December 1999, a number of meetings have taken place in different sectoral areas at ministerial and official level.

The most recent meeting of the Council took place in Dublin on 13 September 2001. Officials discussed the issue of misuse of drugs, the area of work for which Ireland is the lead administration within the Council.

The Irish Government will host the next British-Irish Council summit. The drugs issue will be the main item for discussion at the summit. Progress in the other areas of work of the Council will also be reviewed.

The Government look forward to further meetings taking place in the agreed areas of work.