§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
On what dates the Council of the Isles has met since its creation; what areas were represented; what decisions were taken; and when the council is proposing to meet again. [HL1009]
§ Lord Evans of Temple GuitingThe British-Irish Council brings together representatives of 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. During suspension, UK Ministers represent the interests of Northern Ireland at council meetings.
The council has met on four occasions at summit level: in London in December 1999, Dublin in November 2001, Jersey in June 2002 and Scotland in November 2002. Ministerial meetings in the environment sector took place in October 2000, February 2002 and January 2003. A ministerial meeting on transport met in December 2000. There was a meeting of drugs Ministers in March 2002.
The communiqués issued after each of these meetings have been placed in the Libraries of the House. A copy of the communiqué from the environment ministerial meeting which took place on 16 January 2003 will be placed in the Libraries of the House.
The council will next meet in February for a ministerial meeting on drugs in Dublin.