§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether there is a draft international agreement between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland regarding the six implementation bodies in the eventuality of suspension lasting for a certain period of time; why such an agreement was not signed; whether it has been discussed in London/Dublin talks since 14 October; and whether they will publish the draft international agreement. [HL394]
§ Lord Williams of MostynIn an exchange of notes on 19 November the British and Irish Governments agreed a mechanism so that during the period of temporary suspension of the Assembly, decisions (of the North/South Ministerial Council) on policies and actions relating to the implementation bodies, Tourism Ireland (a publicly owned company established as an area of co-operation by NSMC) or their respective functions could be taken. The agreement was made to ensure the continuation during suspension of the necessary public functions performed by the implementation bodies. The agreement, which came into force on 3 December, also provided that no new functions would be conferred on the implementation bodies during suspension. The exchange of notes will be laid before both Houses of Parliament.