Welcome to The North South Ministerial Council

The North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) was established on Thursday 2 December 1999 on the entry into force of the British-Irish Agreement, which was signed by the British and Irish Governments as part of the Agreement reached in the Multi-Party Negotiations on Good Friday in Belfast on 10 April, 1998 ("the Agreement"). The Agreement stipulates that the North/South Ministerial Council will bring together those with executive responsibilities in Northern Ireland and the Irish Government to develop consultation, co-operation and action within the island of Ireland - including through implementation on an all-island and cross-border basis - on matters of mutual interest and within the competence of each Administration, North and South. The NSMC, therefore, comprises Ministers of the Northern Ireland Administration and the Irish Government, working together to take forward co-operation between both parts of the island to mutual benefit.

Following Restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly on 8 May, the NSMC Council met in Plenary format on 17 July and a schedule of NSMC meetings were agreed.

During the period of Suspension, October 2002 – May 2007, 213 Interim Procedure Decisions were taken.