Plenary Joint Communiqué 18 November 2011

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NORTH SOUTH MINISTERIAL COUNCIL

THIRTEENTH PLENARY MEETING

ARMAGH

18 NOVEMBER 2011

JOINT COMMUNIQUÉ

1.  The thirteenth Plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) was held at the NSMC offices, Armagh on 18 November 2011.

2.  The Northern Ireland Executive delegation was led by the First Minister, the Rt Hon Peter Robinson MLA and the deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness MP MLA. The Irish Government delegation was led by the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD.  A full list of the members of both delegations is attached as an Annex.

3.  The Council exchanged views on shared economic challenges and the factors contributing to low economic growth, particularly the instability and fiscal contraction in other EU and global economies.  Ministers discussed cooperation on NAMA and the banks and opportunities to make savings through mutually beneficial cooperation.  The Council also explored collaboration to meet emerging challenges in third level education and reviewed the significant contribution of the agri-food sector to the economy.

JOINT SECRETARIES’ PROGRESS REPORT

4.  The Council discussed a progress report prepared by the NSMC Joint Secretaries on the work of the North South Bodies and in the other NSMC areas for cooperation and welcomed the mutually beneficial cooperation  taken forward at NSMC meetings.

5.  Ministers noted progress on EU related matters raised at NSMC meetings including collaboration to maximise drawdown of EU Funds from the FP7 Research and Development Programme, progress on current EU programmes and potential for cooperation on future EU programmes.

6.  Other key developments included the official opening of the Peace Bridge over the River Foyle, cooperation on CAP reform and on the all island Animal Health and Welfare strategy and the agreement by the two Ambulance Services of a Memorandum of Understanding to provide for cross border assistance in the event of major incidents.

7.  It was noted that the two Education Ministers are undertaking a survey to review the sustainability of rural primary schools in the border region.  Proposals concerning relocation of Foras na Gaeilge posts to Gweedore were discussed and it was noted that there would be a discussion on this at the next NSMC Language meeting.  Progress on the Ulster Canal is progressing incrementally with the planning process ongoing.

BOARDS OF NORTH SOUTH BODIES AND TOURISM IRELAND

8.  The Council approved the appointment of Chairpersons, Vice Chairpersons and members to the Boards of the North South Implementation Bodies and Directors of Tourism Ireland Limited.  Ministers noted that the nominations that had been brought forward would provide both continuity and fresh perspectives to the work of the Bodies.  Details of the members are attached.

9.  Ministers expressed their appreciation for the work of the outgoing Chairpersons, Vice Chairpersons, Board members and Directors and commended the significant contribution they had made to the work of the Bodies.  It was agreed that the Joint Secretariat will write to them conveying thanks on behalf of the Council.

TOURISM

10.  The Council discussed the significant contribution that tourism can make to the economy and opportunities to work together.  Ministers highlighted the success of the MTV EMA awards and the associated tourism benefits  for Belfast.  The Council explored opportunities to work together to boost the Tourism Industry and maximise the benefit of forthcoming initiatives in both jurisdictions such as NI 2012,  which includes the Titanic Centenary, the Derry-Londonderry City of Culture in 2013 and ‘The Gathering’, a year long programme of events in 2013 driven by arts, sports, business and community groups.

NORTH WEST GATEWAY INITIATIVE

11.  The Council discussed progress on the North West Gateway Initiative and agreed that the NSMC Joint Secretariat will convene a meeting of officials from relevant Departments in both jurisdictions, who in turn will consult their Ministers, with a view to a further progress report being presented to the NSMC Institutional meeting in Spring 2012.

PROGRESS ON A5 and A8 PROJECTS

12.  The Council noted progress on the A5 (North West Gateway to Aughnacloy) and A8 (Belfast to Larne) projects and agreed that payment of £3m will be made by the Minister of Transport, Tourism and Sport to the NI Consolidated Fund, in accordance with the agreed procedure.

13.  Ministers noted that the provision of further funding by the Irish Government is being deferred and that in this regard the Irish Government will provide £25m per annum in 2015 and 2016 towards the project.  It was also noted that the relevant departments will now prepare a new funding and implementation plan for the projects for agreement at the next NSMC Transport meeting with endorsement at the next NSMC Plenary meeting.

ST ANDREWS AGREEMENT REVIEW

14.  The Council agreed that a number of proposals to advance the first element of the St Andrews Agreement Review would be discussed at the next round of NSMC meetings in sectoral format with a view to decisions being taken at the NSMC Plenary meeting in June 2012.

15.  A way forward on the other elements of the Review was also agreed.  This will include consultation within the Executive and within the Irish Government, discussion at the NSMC Institutional meeting in Spring 2012 and final proposals agreed at the NSMC Plenary meeting in June 2012.

NORTH SOUTH CONSULTATIVE FORUM

16.  The Council noted the background and recent developments on a North South Consultative Forum and agreed to finalise deliberations on this issue at its next Plenary meeting.

NORTH SOUTH PARLIAMENTARY FORUM

17.  The Council welcomed work taken forward by working groups of the Oireachtas and the Northern Ireland Assembly including joint meetings in September in Parliament Buildings and in November in the Houses of the Oireachtas, Dublin.  A further joint meeting is planned for 15 December 2011.

FUTURE NSMC MEETINGS

18.  Ministers approved a schedule of NSMC meetings proposed by the Joint Secretariat, including a NSMC Institutional meeting in Spring 2012 and the next NSMC Plenary meeting on 15 June 2012.

Joint Secretariat
18 November 2011

ANNEX A

MEETING OF THE NORTH SOUTH MINISTERIAL COUNCIL

ARMAGH

FRIDAY, 18 NOVEMBER 2011