Press release
Taoiseach attending 27th Plenary Meeting - North South Ministerial Council, Armagh
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and members of the Government are in Armagh today for the 27th plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council.
This is the first plenary meeting of the NSMC since it last met virtually in July 2021, and the first in-person meeting since July 2020.
It’s also the first occasion for the Government to meet collectively with the Northern Ireland Executive since the restoration of Stormont in early February.
It will be hosted and chaired by First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.
Discussions are likely to focus on trade and business issues, investment in areas of mutual interest, and ongoing cooperation through the restored North South Ministerial Council and the North South implementation bodies.
Speaking in advance the Taoiseach said:
“This plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council is a really significant and positive moment for the island of Ireland. It’s an honour to lead the Irish delegation of Ministers to meet with our Northern Ireland Executive counterparts in my last major engagement as Taoiseach.
“Many of the challenges facing the world today are shared across the island, whether climate change, energy security, good jobs, and ensuring that our workforces have the skills they need for the future.
“I will also take this opportunity to wish the First Minister and deputy First Minister well in their roles to achieve the best for all the people of Northern Ireland. We are working with the Executive to build on the peace and prosperity of the last 26 years to make sure it is shared by all.”
ENDS