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British-Irish Council – Annual Report – 2012
The British-Irish Council was established on 2nd December 1999 on the entry into force of
the British-Irish Agreement signed by the UK and Irish Governments as part of the agreement
reached in the Multi-Party Negotiations in Belfast on Friday, 10th April 1998, hereafter
referred to as “The Agreement” (see Annex A for the text in the Agreement establishing the
British-Irish Council).
The Council comprises the UK and Irish Governments, the devolved institutions in Northern
Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and the Isle of Man Government, Government of Jersey and
Government of Guernsey.
The aim of the Council as set out in the Agreement is to “promote the harmonious and
mutually beneficial development of the totality of relationships amongst the people of these
islands”. It is a forum for members to 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. To date, the Council has undertaken co-operation
on a wide range of diverse issues covering social and environmental topics common to all
Member Administrations.
The Council held its inaugural meeting in London on 17th December 1999, a fortnight after
the establishment of the devolved government in Northern Ireland. The meeting was attended
by the then Prime Minister, Taoiseach and Heads of each of the other Council Member
Administrations. Since the inaugural meeting there have been a total of nineteen Summits and
thirty-one Ministerial meetings at work sector level.
Structure of the British-Irish Council
The Council meets in different formats; at Summit level normally twice per year, and in
specific work sector formats on a regular basis with each Member Administration being
represented by the appropriate Minister.
The biannual Council Summit is normally chaired by the Head of the host Member
Administration, and attended by Heads of Member Administrations and Ministers. At the
Summit, Ministers consider the work of the Council in its entirety, including recommendations
arising from progress in the work sector groups. In addition Ministers focus on key topics of
current relevance.
History and Structure of the British-Irish Council