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Taoiseach to attend thirtieth meeting of the British-Irish Council in Guernsey

The Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, is attending the British Irish Council (BIC) Summit which is being hosted in Guernsey. The Taoiseach will be accompanied by Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Eoghan Murphy.

The Summit is being hosted by Guernsey Chief Minister Gavin St. Pier. David Lidington MP will attend the summit meeting on behalf of the British Government, along with Heads of Administration from Scotland, Wales and the Channel Islands. Following the summit meeting, the Taoiseach will hold bilateral discussions with Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Discussions will focus on the implications of Brexit, particularly in relation to relations across the islands, the Common Travel Area, relations with the EU and transition /implementation arrangements. The Council will also discuss the current political situation in Northern Ireland and the Taoiseach will reiterate his regret that Northern Ireland, until the Executive is restored, remains without political representation in this important forum.

Minister Murphy will take part in a thematic discussion on the issues that collectively impact the marine environment of these islands.

The Guernsey Summit will be the thirtieth to be held since the inaugural meeting of the BIC in 1999. The British-Irish Council, established under the 1998 Multi-Party Agreement, continues to play a valuable role in developing and furthering links between its eight Member Administrations. It provides a dynamic forum for exchange of information and collaboration on policies of mutual interest and it fosters positive, practical relationships.

A Communiqué will issue from the BIC at the conclusion of the Summit.