British-Irish Council

HC Deb 28 February 2001 vol 363 c690W

Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what matters she has recently discussed in the British-Irish Council; and if she will make a statement. [149964]

Mr. Ian McCartney

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given on 20 December 2000,Official Report, column 221W.

The Council had been due to meet in Dublin on 23 January. Many of those who would be expected to attend the Council meeting were involved in continuing political discussions on implementation of the Good Friday agreement. The meeting was therefore postponed to allow more time for these discussions, as was the successor date of 5 February. It is hoped that a summit level meeting can be held as soon as possible.