Dedicated search page with advanced search options

St Andrews Agreement Review

Background

At its Plenary meeting on 17 July 2007, the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) agreed to take forward the Review of the North South Implementation Bodies and Areas for Co-operation, as provided for in the St Andrews Agreement.  
The Terms of Reference of the Review are as follows:
  1. To examine objectively the efficiency and value for money of existing Implementation Bodies;
  2. To examine objectively the case for additional bodies and areas of co-operation within the NSMC where mutual benefit would be derived; and
  3. To input into the work on the identification of a suitable substitute for the proposed Lights Agency of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission.

Review Group

The Review is being undertaken by a Review Group of senior officials and an advisory panel of four experts/advisers, two appointed by the Northern Ireland Executive and two appointed by the Irish Government reporting to the NSMC.  The experts/advisers appointed by the Northern Ireland Executive are Peter King and Seán Oliver, and those appointed by the Irish Government are Eoin O’Shea and John Hynes.  

Progress

A consultation exercise, which invited written comments from interested individuals/organisations, concluded early 2008.  At the NSMC Plenary meeting held on 6 July 2009, the Council confirmed its intention to conclude the review process before the end of 2009. The Review Group will complete its work and submit proposals to a meeting of the NSMC in Plenary format before the end of 2009.