Page 36 - 244192_BIC_AnRpt2013_WEB
Basic HTML Version
35
British-Irish Council
–
Annual Report – 2012
Annex: Extract from the 1998 Multi-Party
Agreement establishing the British-Irish Council
1.
A British-Irish Council (BIC) will be established under a new British-Irish Agreement
to promote the harmonious and mutually beneficial development of the totality of
relationships among the peoples of these islands.
2.
Membership of the British-Irish Council will comprise representatives of the British
and Irish Governments, devolved institutions in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales,
when established, and, if appropriate, elsewhere in the United Kingdom, together with
representatives of the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.
3.
The British-Irish Council will meet in different formats: at summit level, twice per year;
in specific work sectors on a regular basis, with each side represented by the appropriate
Minister; in an appropriate format to consider cross-work sector matters.
4.
Representatives of members will operate in accordance with whatever procedures
for democratic authority and accountability are in force in their respective elected
institutions.
5.
The British Irish Council will exchange information, discuss, consult and use best
endeavours to reach agreement on co-operation on matters of mutual interest within the
competence of the relevant Administrations. Suitable issues for early discussion in the
British-Irish Council could include transport links, agricultural issues, environmental
issues, cultural issues, health issues, education issues and approaches to EU issues.
Suitable arrangements to be made for practical co-operation on agreed policies.
6.
It will be open to the British-Irish Council to agree common policies or common actions.
Individual members may opt not to participate in such common policies and common
action.
7.
The British-Irish Council normally will operate by consensus. In relation to decisions on
common policies or common actions, including their means of implementation, it will
operate by agreement of all members participating in such policies or actions.
