Tánaiste to attend the British Irish Association Conference in Oxford

The Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál MartinTD, will attend the British Irish Association conference on 6th and 7th September in Oxford.

The conference, held annually, brings together a wide range of political, civic and church leaders from Northern Ireland, and across Britain and Ireland. It offers an important opportunity to build on the positive momentum of the restoration and operation of Northern Ireland’s devolved institutions and the work of resetting and strengthening relationships in the wake of the recent UK general election.

While in Oxford, the Tánaiste will have the opportunity to meet with Scottish Cabinet Secretary Angus Robertson MSP and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP.

Discussions with the Secretary of State are expected to cover legacy issues, the restoration of the institutions in Northern Ireland and the implementation of the Windsor Framework.

The Tánaiste will address the conference on Saturday morning and take part in a joint discussion with the Secretary of State.

Speaking ahead of the conference, the Tánaiste said:

“This year, the conference is taking place against the backdrop of a new and positive moment in relations between these islands.

“I look forward to hearing from the First Minister and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland later today, and for a further opportunity to meet with the Secretary of State. With the return of the institutions in Northern Ireland, and a renewed commitment to partnership from the British government, this is hugely important occasion to reflect on how far we have come and to drive forward the important work ahead.

“This is a time for optimism and ambition, and this is how I hope we can approach our discussions this weekend.”

ENDS

Press Office

6 September 2024