GOVERNMENT MINISTERS led by the Taoiseach and members of the Stormont Executive have addressed the economic downturn and the need for “continuing practical and mutually beneficial North-South co-operation” at a meeting in Derry.
Twenty-two Ministers from Belfast and Dublin met for the seventh plenary session of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) established under the Belfast Agreement.
The meeting, which overran considerably, discussed common approaches to the international financial crisis in addition to a host of specific issues affecting the island of Ireland.
The Ministers were welcomed by Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness who said it was an honour for his home city.
Peter Robinson said the two administrations “would work very closely together in terms of how we address the economic downturn” and he said the two finance ministers had already agreed they would co-operate in the months ahead.
Mr Cowen, attending his first NSMC as Taoiseach, said it was important for Ministers from both jurisdictions to try “to see how well we can help each other [through] difficult times”.
“None of us will be immune from the difficulties that we are experiencing economically in the months, perhaps years ahead,” he added.
He said the northwest was an appropriate setting for the talks as the region illustrated the need for and the benefits of cross-Border co-operation.
A joint communique released by the Taoiseach and by the First Minister and Deputy First Minister referred to the recent animal feed contamination incident and reported that relevant Ministers would “continue to treat this as a matter of urgency”.
The council noted progress made at 14 sectoral meetings held since the last NSMC plenary 11 months ago.
Ministers also praised what they called “good progress” on cross-Border road schemes especially the North West Gateway and the Belfast-Larne route.
Significant investment for such schemes has come from the Irish Government and Mr McGuinness noted this money was ringfenced.
An all-Ireland penalty points scheme and driver disqualification procedure were also discussed as was progress on the transfer of pensions and cross-Border banking transactions.
Further work on European investment projects was announced as was “intensified co-operation” on child protection measures and a 10-point all-island action plan on suicide prevention.
Ministers referred to educational underachievement, especially among certain social groups and there was progress on tackling illegal dumping of waste and on a draft all-Ireland animal health and welfare strategy.
The meeting also addressed the ongoing review of the St Andrews Agreement which helped pave the way for restoration of the Stormont institutions in May 2007.
A report on this is to be prepared for the next plenary NSMC meeting which will be held in the Republic in June.
The council discussed the Irish Government’s proposals on the role, format, membership and operation of a North South Consultative Forum as well as the Civic Forum in the North.
Referring to proposals for a North-South Parliamentary Forum for elected members from both jurisdictions, the communique agreed to establish two working groups to draw up suggestions.
The matter is to be kept “under review”.