Council of the Isles

HC Deb 17 June 1998 vol 314 c255W

26. Mr. Chaytor

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on progress on establishing the Council of the Isles. [44766]

27. Mr. Hanson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when she expects to make progress in establishing the Council of the Isles. [44767]

Marjorie Mowlam

The Good Friday Agreement allows for the establishment of a British-Irish Council which reflects an earlier proposal for a Council of the Isles.

We are currently making preparations for the establishment of all the various institutions prescribed by the Agreement. In the case of the British-Irish Council this will include consultations with the interested parties, including the Irish Government, to prepare for the inaugural meeting in shadow form later this year.