FCILC JC 5 July 2000

North/South Ministerial Council

Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission (FCILC) Sector

Dublin, Wednesday 5 July 2000

Joint Communiqué

1. The second meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council in Sectoral format was held in Dublin on 5th July, 2000. The meeting dealt with issues relating to the Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission (FCILC) which is one of the six North/South Implementation Bodies.

2. The Irish Government was represented by Mr Frank Fahey, TD, Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources. The Northern Ireland Executive Committee Delegation comprised Mrs Bríd Rodgers MLA, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and Mr Michael McGimpsey, MLA, Minister of Culture, Arts & Leisure.

3. The Council acknowledged the importance of the role of the Commission in enhancing co-operation between North and South. Both sides looked forward to continuing to work together in the Council and with the Commission in ensuring that the potential for mutual benefit in the promotion of the development of Lough and Carlingford Lough and other significant related issues are realised to the full. The Council paid tribute to the valuable contribution being made in this regard by the Board of the Commission.

Reports by Chairperson and Interim Chief Executive of Loughs Agency

4. The Chairperson and Interim Chief Executive of the Loughs Agency of the Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission, Mr Peter Savage and Mr Derick Anderson respectively, provided the Council with oral reports on progress to date in taking forward the work of the Agency. In particular, they reported on progress in relation to the Agency's proposed work programme.

Proposals Agreed

5. The Council considered and endorsed a number of papers submitted to it. These related to the following issues in respect of the Loughs Agency:

A Corporate Plan for the Year 2000
Staffing arrangements
Code of Conduct for Board Members and
Code of Conduct for Staff Members
Equality Scheme
Regulation of Angling Permits for and Finn

6. The Council also considered a progress report in regard to draft legislation currently being prepared by the two Departments which is required to provide for the development and licensing of aquaculture and for the exercise of a development function in relation to inland fisheries in the and Carlingford Areas. The Agreement between the Irish and British Governments establishing the Implementation Bodies requires that the Council be consulted on the draft legislation. The Council also reviewed the latest position in regard to the transfer of the functions of the Commissioners of Irish Lights to the Body.

Next Meeting

7. The Council agreed that its next meeting in this sectoral format would take place in Northern Ireland in September, 2000.

Joint Secretariat

5 July 2000