Policy paper

British-Irish Council 28th summit: communique

Published 25 November 2016

The British-Irish Council held its 28th summit meeting today hosted by the Welsh government in Cardiff. The heads of delegation were welcomed to the Vale Resort by the First Minister of Wales, the Rt Hon Carwyn Jones AM, on behalf of the Welsh government.

1. The United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union

This was the first meeting of the council since it convened in Cardiff in July 2016 for an extraordinary summit to discuss the outcome of the United Kingdom’s (UK) referendum on membership of the European Union (EU).

Ministers used the discussion today to reflect on developments since that meeting. Ministers updated the council on their activity in respect of the UK’s exit from the EU, particularly with reference to relations between Member Administrations, and arrangements that have been put in place to facilitate and strengthen engagement.

They also further discussed some of the themes identified in July, including in relation to specific sectors such as the agriculture, agri-food and fisheries industries, economy and trade, free movement of goods and people, the Common Travel Area and relations with the EU.

Ministers noted an update on implications for the council work sectors of the UK’s exit from the EU. They mandated officials to keep this under review and to report back to the council.

In concluding their discussions, the council again reiterated their commitment to facilitating harmonious and mutually beneficial relationships among the people of these islands as set out in the 1998 Agreement. Ministers agreed that the forthcoming developments underline the importance and value of the Council as a unique forum to share views, enhance cooperation and strengthen relationships.

2. Early Years: investing for the future

Ministers with particular responsibility for early years policy met in advance of the summit meeting to consider a paper prepared by the council’s Early Years work sector. This discussion was subsequently taken forward by Heads of Administration who welcomed the progress made by Member Administrations in taking forward the Early Years agenda since the 2012 summit. The council agreed that the Early Years play a critical role in creating strong foundations for children and families to thrive. They also recognised the importance of investment in the early years to generate better value for money in the public sector by moving from curative to preventative models of service delivery and supporting social mobility.

Responding to the paper prepared by the work sector, ministers had a detailed discussion about the key challenges and opportunities ahead. All administrations affirmed the significant benefits gained from their collective participation in this work sector and endorsed proposals for future collaboration, particularly in relation to the following priorities: the workforce; supporting families; parenting; and quality assurance and assessment of developmental progress.

3. Review of work sectors

The council noted progress on a review of its activity, including analysis of emerging and established programmes for government across member 3 administrations. A number of areas and emerging topics, such as Public Health and Raising Attainment, are under review and a further report will be provided to the summit in June 2017.

Ministers also welcomed the implementation by the existing work sectors of the Task and Finish approach adopted at the Glasgow Summit and they endorsed the Forward Work Plans proposed by the Environment, Early Years and Transport work sectors. Work on the final stages of the review will now be progressed in advance of the next summit which will be hosted by the Northern Ireland Executive.

4. BIC secretariat

The council noted the secretariat’s mid-year report and welcomed the relaunch of the council’s website.

5. Date and location of the next summit meeting

The council noted that the next BIC Summit would be hosted by the Northern Ireland Executive in June 2017.

6. List of ministerial delegates

6.1 Welsh government

• First Minister, Rt Hon Carwyn Jones AM
• Minister for Lifelong Learning and Welsh Language, Mr Alun Davies AM

6.2 Irish government

• An Taoiseach, Mr Enda Kenny TD
• Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone TD

6.3 UK government

• Secretary of State for Wales, Rt Hon Alun Cairns MP
• Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP
• Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Exiting the European Union, Mr Robin Walker MP
• Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Women, Equalities and Early Years, Ms Caroline Dinenage MP

6.4 Northern Ireland Executive

• First Minister, Rt Hon Arlene Foster MLA
• Deputy First Minister, Mr Martin McGuinness MLA
• Minister of Education, Mr Peter Weir MLA

6.5 Scottish government

• First Minister Rt Hon Nicola Sturgeon MSP
• Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Ms Fiona Hyslop MSP
• Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe, Mr Mike Russell MSP
• Minister for Childcare and Early Years, Mr Mark McDonald MSP

6.6 Isle of Man government

• Chief Minister, Hon Howard Quayle MHK
• Minister of Education and Children, Hon Graham Cregeen MHK

6.7 Government of Jersey

• Chief Minister Senator, Ian Gorst
• Minister for External Relations Senator, Sir Philip Bailhache
• Minister for Education Deputy, Rod Bryans

6.8 Government of Guernsey

• Chief Minister Deputy, Gavin St Pier
• Minister for Education, Sport and Culture Deputy, Paul Le Pelley