IMPLEMENTING THE AGREEMENT: THE NORTH-SOUTH BODIES FIVE YEARS ON

REPORT ON CONFERENCE HELD ON 27 MAY 2005

CON F E R E N CE R E P OR T 2 7 M A Y 2 0 0 5

IMPLEMENTING THE AGREEMENT: THE NORTH-SOUTH BODIES FIVE YEARS ON

REPORT ON CONFERENCE HELD AT UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN 27 MAY 2005

REPORT

Institute for British-Irish Studies Institute of Governance Geary Institute for the Social Sciences Centre for International Borders Research University College Dublin Queen’s University Belfast

CONTENTS

Report ...... 1

Theme...... 1

Introduction ...... 1

The work of the North-South bodies ...... 2

Conclusion...... 5

Annex 1: Conference programme ...... 6

Annex 2: List of participants...... 8

Annex 3: The “Mapping frontiers, plotting pathways” project...... 12

Annex 4: The Institute for British-Irish Studies ...... 14

Annex 5: Contact details...... 18

The support of the HEA and the EU PEACE II programme, funders of the North-South research project “Mapping frontiers, plotting pathways: routes to North-South cooperation in a divided island”, is gratefully acknowledged

REPORT

Theme This conference addressed the progress made under strand two of the Good Friday Agreement: the North-South dimension. It formed part of the project Mapping fron- tiers, plotting pathways: routes to North-South cooperation in a divided island.

The political background since the creation of the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) and the implementation bodies in 1999 has been far from stable. The current suspension of the NSMC has left the bodies operating in an environment different to that envisaged in the agreement. The bodies (Waterways Ireland, SafeFood, InterTrade Ireland, the Special EU Programmes Body, the Language Body and the Loughs Agency) have nevertheless continued to carry out their mandated public functions, aimed at bringing benefits to both parts of the island, as has Tourism Ireland, a similar body established in 2000. They have faced unique challenges of administrative complexity and political sensitivity.

This conference sought to take stock of the functioning of the implementation bodies in this context. The opening address was given by the Taoiseach, with the NSMC se- cretariat and all of the implementation bodies contributing. Speakers were invited to address the following questions, among others:

• the extent to which island-wide or cross-border activity was proceeding in the sec- tor prior to the establishment of the body • the issues that arose as the body was being established • the principal difficulties that the body has so far encountered in meeting its objec- tives • how the body assesses its own contribution to the issue it was designed to tackle. The final session drew presented a more political perspective, examining how the bodies may proceed in the context of long-term suspension of the devolved institu- tions that make up the cornerstone of the Good Friday Agreement.

Introduction The conference began with a presentation in which An Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern, TD, assessed the future prospects for North-South cooperation from the Irish government’s perspective. In this he emphasised the central role of the Good Friday Agreement as the continuing blueprint for future political developments. The North- South bodies established under its auspices, he said, have worked quietly but effi- ciently for the good of all, North and South. Both parts of the island contribute to the

CONFERENCE REPORT MAY 2005

work of the bodies, and both parts gain from it. The work of the bodies is complemented by other initiatives in North-South cooperation. Indeed, long-term economic planning implies the need to consider the whole island for infrastructural planning and other purposes. The Taoiseach noted that there have been difficulties in the political process, but he took the view that the common ground achieved by parties as diverse as the Democratic Unionist Party and Sinn Féin was more remarkable than the set of issues that divides them, suggesting a potential for positive political development in the longer term. An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, TD, addressing the conference The Taoiseach’s presentation was followed by one from each of the joint secretaries of the North/South Ministerial Council. Tim O’Connor’s paper set out the background to the new North-South institutional architecture contained in the Belfast or Good Fri- day Agreement—the negotiations themselves and the outcome. Given that much of the detail remained to be further worked out after Good Friday, it recounted the talks held in the Autumn of 1998 and in early 1999, culminating in the Agreement be- tween the two governments establishing the implementation bodies, signed in Dublin Castle on 8 March 1999. The paper outlined the main elements of that agreement, in- cluding the nature of the functions and structure of each of the implementation bod- ies, together with the common arrangements that were to apply to all of them.

The story introduced by Tim O’Connor was continued by his colleague, Peter Smyth. He pointed out that because of the sensitivities associated with North-South co-operation, the initial meetings of NSMC were important as much for symbolism as practical outcomes. But as the implementation bodies established themselves, and government departments engaged in the areas of co-operation, the possibilities of- fered by co-operation for mutual benefit became more apparent, and NSMC meetings assumed a different and much more meaningful character. The paper looked at the impact of the Northern Ireland Assembly’s suspension in 2002, and offered a brief overview of the wider dimensions of cross-border co-operation.

The work of the North-South bodies The second and third sessions of the conference looked at the work of seven imple- mentation bodies established after the agreement, and at the work of another body, Tourism Ireland, that resembles them in function. Aidan Gough reminded the con-

-2- CONFERENCE REPORT MAY 2005

ference that InterTradeIreland was the body established “to exchange information and co-ordinate work on trade, business development and related matters in areas where the two administrations specifically agree it would be in their mutual interest”. Total North-South trade, he said, amounts to £2.4bn. However, the trade figures do not capture—nor are they an accurate measure of—the mutual benefits that are to be reaped from closer links and business collaboration on this island. “Mutual benefits” in economic terms can best be captured through increased competitiveness. Peter Smyth and Tim O’Connor, Since 2001, InterTradeIreland has invested joint secretaries, North/South £12m in all-island collaborative initiatives Ministerial Council designed to enhance the competitiveness of participating businesses. In 2003 and 2004 alone, these initiatives have generated business value in the region of £26bn. Clearly, all-island collaboration is good for business.

The work of the Special EU Programmes Body was described by its chief execu- tive, Pat Colgan. This body is the managing authority and paying authority for the PEACE programme and the INTERREG programme and has become a centre of ex- cellence for the governance and management of EU funded programmes on a cross- border basis. It is also responsible for the Common Chapter and for the cross border dimensions of other Community Initiatives. He pointed out that the work of the body has resulted in the creation of significant cross border cooperation capacity. Through the PEACE Programme, a total of 6,000 projects have been implemented by 56 im- plementing bodies, involving a total investment up to the end of 2006 of ⁄868 mil- lion. Through the INTERREG programme, a total of 250 projects have been imple- mented by 22 cross border implementing bodies involving a total investment up to the end of 2006 of ⁄182 million.

The chief executive of the Loughs Agency, Derick Anderson, offered an overview of the agency’s work. This reviewed the opportunities and problems associated with the transition from an original cross border body, the Foyle Fisheries Commission, established in 1952, to the Loughs Agency of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission. Among the issues addressed was the extension of functions from the Foyle area to the Carlingford area and the addition of responsibilities for aquacul- ture, shellfisheries and marine tourism to the original role of fisheries conservation, protection and management.

-3- CONFERENCE REPORT MAY 2005

Developments in Tourism Ireland, the body established under the framework of the Good Friday Agreement to market the island of Ireland overseas as a preferred tour- ism destination, were reviewed by Niall Gibbons. His presentation traced a journey in the evolution of marketing the island overseas. Tourism Ireland was set up during a time of great change, not only in Ireland following the Good Friday Agreement, but within the industry, brought about by changes in technology and in world events such as 9/11. The second corporate plan has been approved, and it sets out challeng- ing targets for the coming three years and will require focus and action by all stake- holders in order to maintain growth in a competitive environment.

The work of Waterways Ireland was reviewed by Martin Dennany. Prior to the establishment of this body, cross border co-operation led to the re-opening of the Shannon-Erne waterway. Some staff working on the waterways were designated and transferred, providing a continuum of significant benefit. Early suspensions of the Northern Ireland Assembly, and the current competitive market for engineering graduates, had a considerable impact on recruitment. Necessary consideration of leg- islation across two jurisdictions is one of the daily challenges that faces the body, while the National Development Plan 2000-06 in the South, and the Business Plan- ning Process in the North, has allowed the body to continue its work, albeit on a care and maintenance basis.

The chief executive of SafeFood, Martin Higgins, described developments within this sector. His paper described the context of the new body’s remit and examined its operational environment. In particular, reference was made to the structural issues that arise for a public body working in two jurisdictions. The conclusion provided some insights into some of the communication challenges presented by all-island op- eration.

A paper by Seán Ó Ceárnaigh examined the challenges and opportunities faced by Foras na Gaeilge since its establishment as one of the implementation bodies. The organisational memory of the bodies of which Foras na Gaeilge is comprised was presented as the cornerstone on which Foras na Gaeilge’s success to date has been built. He pointed out that the challenges ahead were concerned with developing a consensual and fully co-ordinated Irish language sector island-wide to make the best use of available resources.

The chief executive of the Ulster Scots Agency, George Patton, pointed out that that agency is in many ways a unique one. Prior to the Belfast Agreement and the subsequent establishment of the Agency there was no official recognition North or South of Ulster Scots language or culture. Certainly both existed, but in difficult cir- cumstances and at different stages of development. In addition there was a particular stigma attached to the language. The formation of the Agency as part of the Lan- guage Body has created a new dynamic. The recognition by both Governments of the

-4- CONFERENCE REPORT MAY 2005 language and its attendant culture has paved the way for real progress. There have been difficulties and obstacles remain but this recognition and the work of the Agency has breathed new life into a community

Conclusion The conference concluded with two presentations of a more speculative political character. Lord Laird of Artigarvan, former chair of the Ulster-Scots Agency, ac- cepted that on a small island like Ireland it was correct to have co-operation between two countries. This has been the case since 1921, with many successes to be pro- vided as proof. But, he argued, even those officials at the heart of North-South activ- ity now seem to have difficulty in identifying any tangible benefits to either country from what he described as the costly and bureaucratic system set up after the Belfast Agreement of 1998; the reason for their establishment must therefore be political. On that consideration, he argued that they had been a spectacular disaster. Politically their purpose could have been to show the generosity of the South to unionists. In fact the direct opposite was the case, in his view. Many inappropriate developments had taken place, and these added to the total disenchantment of unionists. He con- cluded with the view that the bodies had helped in the failure of the Agreement, and that no unionist would mourn their passing.

The future outlook for the bodies was considered in a presentation by John Coakley. This pointed out that the North-South bodies established in 1999 represented the third attempt since partition to establish a structured, formal basis for cooperation be- tween the two parts of the island. His presentation began by tracing the history of partition from 1921, when Ireland still constituted an administrative unit within the United Kingdom, to the end of the twentieth century, when the impact of partition was clear well beyond the political and administrative domains. He presented a brief overview of the current standing of the bodies, before going on to speculate about what the future held in store. He suggested that the shape of future developments would be determined by a number of political realities, some obvious, others not so obvious. These included the interests of the British and Irish governments (in which, in each case, there was potential conflict between the interests of the government, the interests of the state and the interests of the people) and the interests of the two major blocs in Northern Ireland and of the parties within them.

-5- CONFERENCE REPORT MAY 2005

ANNEX 1: CONFERENCE PROGRAMME

Session 1, 9h15-11h00: The North/South Ministerial Council and the implemen- tation bodies Chair: Mr Noel Dorr, Chair, IBIS

Welcome address —Dr Hugh Brady (President, University College Dublin)

The future of North-South cooperation —An Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern, TD

The establishment of the North/South Ministerial Council and the North/South bod- ies —Mr Tim O’Connor, Joint Secretary, North/South Secretariat

North/South cooperation since the agreement —Dr Peter Smyth, Joint Secretary, North/South Secretariat

Discussant: Mr Robin Wilson, Democratic Dialogue

Session 2, 11h15-12h45: The working of the bodies—I Chair: Professor Brigid Laffan, University College Dublin

InterTradeIreland —Mr Aidan Gough, Strategy and Policy Director

Special EU Programmes Body —Mr Pat Colgan, Chief Executive

Foyle,Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission (Loughs Agency) —Mr Derick Anderson, Chief Executive

Tourism Ireland —Mr Niall Gibbons, Director of Corporate Services

Discussant: Dr Etain Tannam, University College Dublin

-6- CONFERENCE REPORT MAY 2005

Session 3, 14h15-15h45: The working of the bodies—II Chair: Mr Andy Pollak, Centre for Cross-Border Studies, Armagh

Waterways Ireland —Mr Martin Dennany, Director of Marketing and Communications

SafeFood —Mr Martin Higgins, Chief Executive

Foras na Gaeilge —Dr Seán Ó Cearnaigh, Programme Manager, Corporate Planning

Ulster-Scots Agency —Mr George Patton, Chief Executive

Discussant: Professor Maireád Nic Craith, University of Ulster

Session 4, 16h00-17h30: The future of the North/South relationship Chair: Professor Elizabeth Meehan, Queen’s University Belfast

The North-South Bodies: a political failure? —Lord Laird of Artigarvan, former chair, Ulster-Scots Agency

The future of the North-South bodies: the political dimension —Professor John Coakley (University College Dublin)

Discussant: Dr Cathal McCall, Queen’s University Belfast

17h30 Reception and book launch Mr Noel Dorr, Chair, Institute for British-Irish Studies, launched the book series Per- spectives in British-Irish Studies, and in particular its third volume, published in April 2005. The volumes in the series are:

Renovation or revolution? New territorial politics in Ireland and the United King- dom, edited by John Coakley, Brigid Laffan and Jennifer Todd, with a foreword by Tony Blair (published April 2005)

From political violence to negotiated settlement: the winding path to peace in twen- tieth century Ireland, edited by Maurice J Bric and John Coakley, with a foreword by Bertie Ahern (published 2004)

Changing shades of orange and green: redefining the union and the nation in con- temporary Ireland, edited by John Coakley (published 2002)

-7- CONFERENCE REPORT MAY 2005

ANNEX 2: LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

AHERN, Mr Bertie, TD, An Taoiseach CLARKE, Dr Patricia, Centre for Cross- Border Studies AIGNER, Ms Beatrix, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Gov- COAKLEY, Professor John, Institute for ernment British-Irish Studies, University College Dublin ANDERSON, Ms Anne, Co-operation Ire- land CONNAUGHTON, Ms Breeda, Depart- ment of Education and Science ANDERSON, Professor James, QUB COYLE, Cllr Seamus, Monaghan County ATTWOOD, Mr Alex, MLA, SDLP Council BALE, Mr Declan, Department of Com- CRAY, Ms Natasha, Department of the munity, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Taoiseach BATES, Mr Paul, Department of Arts, CURRAN, Mr Dermot, Department of the Sport and Tourism Taoiseach BENISHEVA, HE Mrs Bisserka, Ambas- DAVIDSON, Mr Andrew, Reform Move- sador of the Republic of Bulgaria ment BENNETT, Mr Paul, Department of En- DELARGY, Mrs Mary, Academy for Irish terprise, Trade and Employment Cultural Heritages BENTON, Mr Jonathan, Embassy of the DOHERTY, Mr Joe, Sinn Féin United States of America DONAGHY, Mr Pat, North/South Ministe- BLOOD, Ms Sue, Department of Finance rial Council Joint Secretariat BRADLEY, Mr Dominic, MLA, SDLP DUGGAN, Ms Christina, North-South Ru- BRADLEY, Ms Mary, MLA, SDLP ral Voice BRADY, Dr Hugh, President, University FARRINGTON, Dr Christopher, Univer- College Dublin sity College Dublin BRADY, Mr Conor, British-Irish Associa- FEGAN, Mr Tommy, North-South Ex- tion and Institute for British-Irish Stud- change Consortium ies Board FERRITTO, Ms Nina, British-Irish Asso- BUCKLEY, Ms Cliona, Higher Education ciation Authority FINLAY, Mr Andrew, Department of So- CAMPBELL, Ms Delma, Dublin City Uni- ciology, Trinity College Dublin versity/Co-operation Ireland FITZSIMONS, Mrs Denise, Down and CARTHY, Cllr Matt, Monaghan County Lisburn Health and Social Services Council Trust -8- CONFERENCE REPORT MAY 2005

FLANAGAN, Ms Rosalie, Office of the KILLEN, Ms Grainne, North/South Minis- First and Deputy First Ministers terial Council Joint Secretariat FLYNN, Mr Gerry, Northern Ireland Hous- KUMAR, HE Mr Saurabh, Indian Ambas- ing Executive sador FRASER, Mr Martin, Department of the KVEINEN, Ms Else, Embassy of Norway Taoiseach LAFFAN, Professor Brigid, University GARRY, Mr John, Department of Justice, College Dublin Equality and Law Reform LAFFERTY, Cllr Michael, Clare Co GINTY, Mr Niall, Reform Movement Council GIORIA, Ms Margherita, Department of LAIRD, Lord, former chair, Ulster-Scots Botany, University College Dublin Agency HALLETT, Mr Ted, British Embassy LIGHTBODY, Mr Rodger, Department of the Environment, Northern Ireland HAYWARD, Dr Katy, Queen’s University Belfast LOGUE, Mr Colm, Department of Enter- prise, Trade and Employment HEALY, Ms Veronica, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Gov- LOWRY, Cllr Michael, North Tipperary ernment County Council HERBER, Dr Reinold, Embassy of Ger- LYNCH, Dr Catherine, Dublin City Uni- many versity/Co-operation Ireland HIGGINS, Dr Lisa, Higher Education Au- LYONS, Mr Kevin, North/South Ministe- thority rial Council Joint Secretariat HUGHES, Mr Ian, TASC MAGENNIS, Dr Eoin, Centre for Cross- Border Studies HUMPHREYS, Cllr Heather, Monaghan County Council McATEER, Mr Sean, North/South Minis- terial Council joint secretariat JONES, Ms Barbara, North/South Ministe- rial Council Joint Secretariat McCALL, Dr Cathal, Queen’s University Belfast KAKOURIS, Mr Andreas, Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus McCARRON, Ms Patricia, Institute for British-Irish Studies, University College KELLY, Ms Dolores, MLA, SDLP Dublin KENNEDY, Cllr William, North Tipperary McCARTHY, Mr Dermot, Department of County Council the Taoiseach KENNEDY, Dr Michael, National Ar- McCARTHY, Ms Eunice, University Col- chives lege Dublin KENNEDY, Dr Michael, Royal Irish McDERMOTT, Mr Phillip, Academy for Academy Irish Cultural Heritages

-9- CONFERENCE REPORT MAY 2005

McDONALD, Ms Joanne, Sinn Féin Nic CRAITH, Professor Mairéad, Acad- emy for Irish Cultural Heritages, Uni- McDONNELL, Ms Noeleen, North/South versity of Ulster Ministerial Council, Joint Secretariat Nic GHIOLLA PHADRAIG, Ms Maire, McELDUFF, Mr Barry, Sinn Féin Department of Sociology, University McGLOIN, Cllr Enda, Leitrim County College Dublin Council NIKIFOROV, Mr Viacheslav, Embassy of McGONAGLE, Mr Daragh, Urban and the Russian Federation Regional Planning, University College NOGA, Mr Zivan, Trinity College Dublin Dublin Ó BRIAIN, Mr Deaglan, Department of McGONIGLE, Ms Dara, University Col- Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs lege Dublin Ó CEÁRNAIGH, Dr Seán, Foras na McKEOWN, Ms Mary, Department of Ag- Gaeilge riculture and Rural Development, Northern Ireland Ó CORRAIN, Mr Daithi, Trinity College Dublin McLAUGHLIN, Mr Tom, Department of the Taoiseach Ó TOMÁIN, Mr Brian, Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs McLOUGHLIN, Mr Tom, Department of the Taoiseach O’CONNOR, Mr Jack, Special EU Pro- grammes Body McQUILLAN, Ms Jackie, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, O’CONNOR, Mr Tim, Joint Secretary, Northern Ireland North/South Ministerial Council MENNELL, Professor Stephen, Depart- O’DOHERTY, Mr Dermot, InterTradeIre- ment of Sociology, University College land Dublin O’DOHERTY, Mr Vincent, British-Irish MIRI, Mr Amir M., Embassy of Iran Association MOHER, HE Mark J., Canadian Ambassa- O’DONNELLAN, Mr Niall, Enterprise Ire- dor land MOLONEY, Ms Hazel, Politics Depart- O’DONOGHUE, Mr Aingeal, Department ment, University College Dublin of Foreign Affairs MONKS, Mr Gerard, Department of En- O’DONOVAN, Cllr Patrick, Limerick terprise, Trade and Employment County Council MUNCE, Mr Peter, Ulster Unionist Party O’KANE, Dr Eamonn, University of Wol- verhampton Ni FHLANGHAILE, Ms Riona, Depart- ment of the Environment, Heritage and O’KEEFE, Mr Mark, Department of Com- Local Government puting Science, University College Dub- lin

-10- CONFERENCE REPORT MAY 2005

O’MEARA, Cllr Michéal, North Tipperary ROUGHNEEN, Mr Simon, INCORE, County Council University of Ulster O’WHELAN, Mr Michael, University Col- SCHEPISI, HE Dr Alberto, Italian Ambas- lege Dublin sador PARTRIDGE, Mr Simon, London SMYTH, Dr Peter, Joint Secretary, North/South Ministerial Council POLLAK, Mr Andy, Centre for Cross- Border Studies STANLEY, Cllr Brian, Laois County Council PREISS, Mr Bert, Department of Politics, University College Dublin STEWART, Ms Eve, Department of Edu- cation, Northern Ireland QUINN, Mr Nigel, Department of Agricul- ture and Rural Development, Northern STEWART-SHORT, Ms Caitriona, Adult Ireland Education Department, University Col- lege Dublin RAINEY, Mr Carl, Europe Plus Research STUART, Mr Alan, Department of Eco- RANKIN, Mr Kieran, Institute for British- nomics, University College Dublin Irish Studies, University College Dublin SUMEGHY, Mr Gyula, Embassy of Hun- REDMOND, Mr Peter, Department of gary Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs SWEETMAN FITZGERALD, Mrs Bar- REDMOND, Mr Reggie, Dublin bara, British-Irish Association REILLY, Mr Tony, Directory, British TANNAM, Dr Etain, Dublin European In- Council, Dublin stitute, University College Dublin REYNOLDS, Cllr Gerry, Leitrim County TODD, Dr Jennifer, Department of Poli- Council tics, University College Dublin RITCHIE, Ms Margaret, MLA, SDLP WHITNEY, Mr Brian, Department of En- ROCHE, Cllr Maurice, Wexford Co Coun- terprise, Trade and Employment ciluncil WILSON, Mr Robin, Democratic Dia- ROCHFORD, Mr Francis, Department of logue, Belfast Arts, Sport and Tourism ROONEY, Ms Marie, Education for Rec- onciliation project

-11- CONFERENCE REPORT MAY 2005

ANNEX 3: THE “MAPPING FRONTIERS, PLOTTING PATHWAYS” PROJECT

This conference forms part of the above project, funded by the EU Peace and Recon- ciliation programme (PEACE II) through the HEA. Mapping Frontiers is a two-year collaborative research project on the impact of the Irish border, led by University College Dublin (Institute for British-Irish Studies) and Queen’s University Belfast (Institute of Governance, Centre for International Borders Research). Partners in- clude the Centre for Cross Border Studies, at Armagh, Democratic Dialogue in Bel- fast and the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) in Dublin. Full informa- tion on the project is available at www.mappingfrontiers.ie.

Project aims: • to specify and assess factors which help or hinder North-South cross-border con- tact, both formal and informal

• to inform future policy initiatives on issues such as sustainability, cross-border partnership, the potential for reconciliation and the impact of European Integra- tion.

The project brings a new comparative, interdisciplinary perspective to bear on the study of the border, and of its changing impacts over time. Three main themes frame our research:

1. The nature of the Border, in a comparative international perspective 2. The changing impact of the Border at a range of levels (governmental, adminis- trative, other) and in a range of sectors (business, social organisation, other) 3. Tackling the issue of the Border: in particular the role of the European Union in this respect and of more systematic attempts to resolve cross-border issues since 1998. A mapping study, linked to CCBS, of funded cross-border projects is being under- taken, as are a significant number of in-depth case studies and ethnographic studies, carried out by the CIBR research team.

Project methodology Key to the project’s success is a high level of interaction with the policy and practi- tioner communities involved in issues of cross-border cooperation. Study groups are convened in border locations by the CCBS, Armagh, with selected participants, to

-12- CONFERENCE REPORT MAY 2005 address the themes of partnership, sustainability, informal versus formal contacts, and mutual understanding and reconciliation.

Research workshops are also organised in Dublin, Belfast and along the border re- gion, to assess academic progress.

Two major conferences are taking place within the lifetime of the project: the first of which is today’s meeting on the North-South bodies. The second major conference, based on the research findings of the project as a whole, will be held in late 2005. This will involve activists in cross-border co-operation, policy makers, opinion formers and academic participants.

Project output to date Study Groups: at these events, members of the project seek to ascertain the views of practitioners and local people on questions raised by research undertaken by the pro- ject. 2 study groups have been organised to date:

i) “Partition and the creation of the Irish ‘border region’” Armagh, December 2004 ii) “Regeneration and Identities on the Border”, Clones, April 2005 A further 2 groups will be organised on the themes of sustainable economic co- operation, and of issues around mobility, employment and the impact of spatial plan- ning.

Academic research workshops: three have been held to date: April 2004, October 2004 and January 2005. Two more will take place in 2005, in June (Dundalk) and September (QUB).

Discussion papers: academic researchers produce discussion papers based on their research to date. These are then further refined to become project working papers that are then published as a hard copy series that will be available from both UCD and Queen’s University Belfast. Examples of Discussion papers to date produced to date include:

i) John Coakley and Liam O’Dowd “The Irish Border and North-South Co- operation: an Overview” ii) Kieran Rankin “The Creation and Consolidation of the Irish Border” iii) Kevin Howard “Diasporas and Ambiguous Homelands: a Perspective on the Irish Border” iv) Etain Tannam “Cross-border co-operation between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland: Neo-Functionalism revisited “

-13- CONFERENCE REPORT MAY 2005

ANNEX 4: THE INSTITUTE FOR BRITISH-IRISH STUDIES

The Institute for British-Irish Studies is an interdisciplinary resource founded in 1999 and based in the Department of Politics at University College Dublin.

The Institute aims to promote and conduct academic research in the area of relations between the two major traditions on the island of Ireland, and between Ireland and Great Britain.

In addition to collaboration with other interested academic bodies and researchers, the Institute actively promotes contact, through research and outreach activity, with policy makers and opinion formers outside the university sector, to ensure a free flow of ideas between the academic and the non-academic worlds.

The institute has organised several seminars, public lectures and conferences that seek to bring enhance contact between the academic world and that of policy mak- ing. Its publications include a newsletter, working papers and a book series. The working papers and books are listed below. Abstracts of all working papers are available on the IBIS web site, www.ucd.ie/ibis.

WORKING PAPERS IN BRITISH-IRISH STUDIES

2001 1. Desmond O’Malley, Redefining southern nationalism: a political perspective Tom Garvin, Redefining southern nationalism: an academic perspective 2. Dermot Nesbitt, Redefining unionism: a political perspective Richard English, Redefining unionism: an academic perspective 3. Alban Maginness, Redefining northern nationalism: a political perspective Jennifer Todd, Redefining northern nationalism: an academic perspective 4. David Ervine, Redefining loyalism: a political perspective James McAuley, Redefining loyalism: an academic perspective 5. Mitchel McLaughlin, Redefining republicanism: a political perspective Paul Arthur, Redefining republicanism: an academic perspective 6. Ned Thomas, New Wales? New culture? 7. Máiréad Nic Craith, Cultural diversity in Northern Ireland and the Good Friday agreement 8. John de Chastelain, The Northern Ireland peace process and the impact of de- commissioning

-14- CONFERENCE REPORT MAY 2005

9. John Coakley, Ethnic conflict and its resolution: the new Northern Ireland model 10. Eunan O’Halpin, The geopolitics of republican diplomacy in the twentieth cen- tury 11. Deaglán de Bréadún, Building government institutions in Northern Ireland— strand one negotiations Steven King, Building government institutions in Northern Ireland— implementing strand one 12. Martin Mansergh, Cross-border bodies and the North-South relationship— laying the groundwork Andy Pollak, Cross-border bodies and the North-South relationship— implementing strand 2 13. Adrian Millar, A Lacanian psychoanalytic interpretation of conflict in Northern Ireland 14. John Reid, MP, The British government and the peace process 15. Brian Cowen, TD, The peace process and equality: towards a transformed so- ciety 2002

16. Yvonne Galligan, The Politics of Women’s Representation in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland 17. Claire Mitchell, Pluralist, Purified or Private: Protestant identification and politi- cal change in Northern Ireland 18. Katy Hayward and Kevin Howard, Europeanisation and Hyphe-Nation: renego- tiating the identity boundaries of Europe’s Western Isles 19. Paul Dixon, Contemporary unionism and the tactics of resistance 20. Gladys Ganiel, Conserving or changing? The theology and politics of Northern Irish fundamentalist and evangelical protestants after the Good Friday agree- ment 21. Adrian Guelke, The international system and the Northern Ireland peace proc- ess 22. John Coakley, The North-South institutions: From blueprint to reality 23. John Osmond, Nation building: Implementing devolution in the United Kingdom – The Welsh experience 24. David McCrone, Marking the card: The Scottish parliament at 1000 days 25. Arthur Aughey, Territory and politics in Ireland and Great Britain after devolu- tion Simon Partridge, Implications of devolution for England

-15- CONFERENCE REPORT MAY 2005

2003 26. Jennifer Todd, The changing structure of conflict in Northern Ireland and the Good Friday agreement 27. Brigid Laffan, Ireland, Britain, Northern Ireland and the European dimension 28. Claire Mitchell, Is religion in Northern Ireland politically significant? 29. Seamus Mallon, Nationalism in Northern Ireland from partition to the Belfast agreement—a political perspective Éamon Phoenix, Nationalism in Northern Ireland from partition to the Belfast agreement—an academic perspective 30. Albert Reynolds, The Irish government and the peace process, 1992-94 —a political perspective Kevin Rafter, The Irish government and the peace process, 1992-94 —an observer’s perspective 31. Alice Feldman, Beyond the Catholic-Protestant divide: religious and ethnic di- versity in the north and south of Ireland 32. Gladys Ganiel, The politics of religious dissent in Northern Ireland 33. Claire Mitchell, Catholicism in Northern Ireland and the politics of conflict 34. Jennifer Todd, Process, perspectives and interpretations: an oral archive of the Good Friday Agreement 35. Wilhelm Verwoerd, Towards inclusive remembrance after the “Troubles”: a South African perspective 2004 36. Bernadette C. Hayes and Ian McAllister, The political impact of secularisation in Northern Ireland 37. Kevin Howard, Constructing the Irish of Britain: ethnic recognition and the 2001 UK census 38. Lone Singstad Pålshaugen, The Northern Ireland Civic Forum and the Politics of Recognition 39. Tom Garvin, An Irish Republican Tradition? 40. Etain Tannam, Cross-Border co-operation between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland: Neo-functionalism revisited 41. Kieran Rankin and Richard Schofield, The Troubled historiography of classical boundary terminology 42. John Coakley, Ethnic conflict and the two-state solution: the Irish experience of partition 43. Christopher Farrington, Models of civil society and their implications for the Northern Ireland peace process

-16- CONFERENCE REPORT MAY 2005

2005 44. Martin Mc Guinness, Republicanism and the implementation of the agree- ment—a political perspective Paul Arthur, Republicanism and the implementation of the agreement—an academic perspective 45. John Doyle, Republican policies in practical politics: placing contemporary Sinn Féin in a European context 46. Dermot Ahern, The Irish government and the implementation of the agreement: a political perspective Stephen Collins, The Irish government and the implementation of the agree- ment: an observer’s perspective

BOOK SERIES PERSPECTIVES IN BRITISH-IRISH STUDIES PUBLISHED BY UCD PRESS

1. Changing shades of orange and green: redefining the union and the nation in contemporary Ireland, edited by John Coakley, with a foreword by Art Cosgrove and contributions by Paul Arthur, John Coakley, Richard English, David Ervine, Tom Garvin, Alban Maginness, James McCauley, Mitchel McLaughlin, Dermot Nesbitt, Desmond O’Malley and Jennifer Todd (published 2002) 2. From political violence to negotiated settlement: the winding path to peace in twentieth century Ireland, edited by Maurice J Bric and John Coakley, with a foreword by Bertie Ahern and contributions by Paul Bew, Maurice J Bric, John Coakley, John de Chastelain, Paul Dixon, Ronan Fanning, Alvin Jackson, Mi- chael Laffan, Eunan O’Halpin and Joseph Ruane (published 2004) 3. Renovation or revolution? New territorial politics in Ireland and the United King- dom, edited by John Coakley, Brigid Laffan and Jennifer Todd, with a foreword by Tony Blair and contributions by Arthur Aughey, John Coakley, Ronan Fan- ning, Adrian Guelke, Brigid Laffan, David McCrone, Elizabeth Meehan, John Osmond, Simon Partridge and Jennifer Todd (published 2005)

-17- CONFERENCE REPORT MAY 2005

ANNEX 5: CONTACT DETAILS

The organisers of this conference can be contacted as follows:

Institute for British-Irish Studies Patricia Mc Carron/Professor John Coakley Room G314, School of Politics and International Relations John Henry Newman Building University College Dublin Belfield Dublin 4 Tel: +353 1 716 8670 Fax: +353 1 716 1171 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ucd.ie/ibis

Mapping frontiers, plotting pathways: routes to north-south cooperation in a di- vided island Web: www.mappingfrontiers.ie

Dublin: Ms Patricia Mc Carron IBIS John Henry Newman Building UCD Belfield Dublin 4 Tel: +353 1 716 8670 Fax: +353 1 716 1171 Email: [email protected]

Belfast: Dr Patrick Mc Williams Institute of Governance, Public Policy and Social Research 63 University Road Belfast BT7 1NF Northern Ireland.

-18- CONFERENCE REPORT MAY 2005

Tel: +44 28 9097 5317 Fax: +44 28 9097 2551 Email: [email protected]

Armagh Dr Eoin Magennis Centre for Cross-Border Studies 39 Abbey Street Armagh BT61 7EB Northern Ireland.

Tel: +44 28 3751 5292 Fax: +44 28 3751 1721 Email: [email protected]

More information on the Cross Border Programme for Research and Education Con- tributing to Peace and Reconciliation (funding the Mapping Frontiers project) is available on the Higher Education Authority’s website: www.hea.ie

-19-