TITHE AN OIREACHTAIS
AN COMHCHOISTE UM FHORFHEIDHMIÚ CHOMHAONTÚ AOINE AN CHÉASTA
TUARASCÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2018
______
HOUSES OF THE OIREACHTAS
JOINT COMMITTEE ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
GOOD FRIDAY AGREEMENT
ANNUAL REPORT 2018
32/JCIGFA/9 Table of Contents
1 Content and Format of Report 2. Establishment of the Joint Committee 3. Meetings, Attendance and Recording 4. Number and Duration of Meetings 5. Witnesses attending before the Committee 6. Committee Reports Published 7. Travel 8. Report on Functions and Powers
APPENDIX 1 Orders of Reference APPENDIX 2: List of Members APPENDIX 3: Meetings of the Joint Committee APPENDIX 4: Minutes of Proceedings of the Joint Committee
1. Content and Format of Report
This report has been prepared pursuant to Standing Order 89 (3), (4), (5) and (6) (Dáil Éireann) and Standing Order 77 (3), (4), (5) and (6) (Seanad Éireann) which provide for the Joint Committee to-
undertake a review of its procedure and its role generally; prepare an annual work programme; lay minutes of its proceedings before both Houses; make an annual report to both Houses.
At its meeting on the 31 January 2019, the Joint Committee agreed that all these items should be included in this report covering the period from 1st January 2018 to 31st December 2018.
2. Establishment of Joint Committee
The Dáil Select Committee, established by Order of Dáil Éireann on the 8 June 2011 was enjoined with a Select Committee of Seanad Éireann, established by Order of Seanad Éireann on the 16 June 2011, to form the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.
The Orders of Reference of the Dáil Select Committee and the Joint Committee are set out at Appendix 1.
Deputy Seán Crowe was elected as Chair of the Joint Committee on the 07 November 2017, replacing Deputy Kathleen Funchion. Deputy Declan Breathnach was elected as Vice-Chairman of the Joint Committee on 26 July 2016. Membership of the Committees, including all internal changes within the reported period, is listed at Appendix 2.
3. Meetings, Attendance and Recording
Meetings of the Joint Committee took place in the Committee rooms in Leinster House 2000. Meetings were in public unless otherwise ordered by the Committee.
Televised coverage of public meetings of the Committee was broadcast live within the Leinster House complex and was available for subsequent public broadcasting by RTE and TV3. It was also webcast making it available worldwide on the internet. Since the pilot launch of the Oireachtas TV channel in November 2011, the proceedings of committees in public session, typically recorded but occasionally live, are now broadcast on Saorview Channel 22, Virgin Media Channel 207, Sky Channel 517, eir Vision Channel 504, and Vodafone Channels: Oireachtas TV - 217, Dáil - 207 and Seanad – 208.
An Official Report (Parliamentary Debates) of the public meetings of the Committee may be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas website at www.oireachtas.ie.
Copies of other reports published by the Joint Committee are also available on the Oireachtas Committee website pages at www.oireachtas.ie. A list of these reports is set out at paragraph 7.
4. Number and Duration of Meetings
The Joint Committee met formally on 14 occasions during the period under report. The number of hours of discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 32 hours.
The subject matter of each meeting of the Joint Committee, including the groups, organisations or individuals who attended the meetings, is detailed in Appendix 3. The Minutes of Proceedings of the Joint Committee in public session are attached at Appendix 4.
5. Witnesses attending before the Committee(s)
During the period, the number of public speaking witnesses for the Committee was as follows:
COMMITTEE NAME NUMBER OF WITNESSES Joint Committee on the 25 Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement
6. Committee Reports Published
During the period under report, the Joint Committee published the following reports:
Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement Annual Report 2017 – April 2018
Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement Work Programme 2018 – April 2018
Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement Travel Report Belfast February 2018
7. Travel.
The Joint Committee undertook the following travel in accordance with its Orders of Reference in connection with its Work Programme
1. Purpose of travel: Outreach visits to Belfast and meetings with Irish Language Groups Date and Destination: Belfast – 20th & 21st February 2018. Members travelling: Deputies: Seán Crowe (Chair), Declan Breathnach TD, Maureen O’Sullivan. Senators: Frances Black, Frank Feighan, Gerard Craughwell, Niall Ó Donnghaile and Mark Daly.
2. Purpose of travel: Visit to Washington to mark the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement Date and Destination: Washington – 7th to 11th May 2018. Members travelling: Deputies: Seán Crowe (Chair), Declan Breathnach TD, Maureen O’Sullivan TD and Senator Frank Feighan.
3. Purpose of travel: Outreach visits to Belfast and Derry Date and Destination: 27th & 28th November 2018. Members travelling: Deputies: Seán Crowe (Chair), Declan Breathnach and Brendan Smith
8. Report on Functions and Powers
The Joint Committee is currently satisfied with its present procedures and role.
______Seán Crowe T.D. Chairman 31 January2019 APPENDIX 1: Orders of Reference
Dáil Motion: 8 June 2011
“(1 Go gceapfar Roghchoiste, ar a (1) That a Select Committee mbeidh cúig chomhalta dhéag de consisting of fifteen members of Dháil Éireann, a bheidh le Dáil Éireann be appointed to be comhcheangal le Roghchoiste joined with a Select Committee atá le ceapadh ag Seanad to be appointed by Seanad Éireann, chun bheith ina Éireann to form the Joint Chomhchoiste um Fhorfheidhmiú Committee on the Chomhaontú Aoine an Chéasta Implementation of the Good chun breithniú a dhéanamh ar Friday Agreement to consider— an méid seo a leanas— (a) saincheisteanna a éiríonn as (a) issues arising from Ireland’s ról na hÉireann mar role as a signatory to the shínitheoir le Comhaontú Good Friday Agreement, Aoine an Chéasta, (b) forbairtí leanúnacha i dtaca (b) ongoing developments in the le forfheidhmiú Chomhaontú implementation of the Good Aoine an Chéasta, agus Friday Agreement, and (c) aon tograí a bhaineann le (c) any proposals relating to the forfheidhmiú Chomhaontú implementation of the Good Aoine an Chéasta agus nithe Friday Agreement and such gaolmhara a tharchuirfidh an related matters as shall be Dáil agus/nó an Seanad referred to it by the Dáil chuige ó am go ham, and/or the Seanad from time to time, agus chun tuarascáil a thabhairt and to report back to both do dhá Theach an Oireachtais Houses of the Oireachtas at least uair sa bhliain ar a laghad. once a year. (2) Beidh ag an gComhchoiste na (2) The Joint Committee shall have cumhachtaí a mhínítear i the powers defined in Standing mBuan-Ordú 83, seachas mír Order 83, other than paragraph (2A), (4A), (4B) agus (6A) den (2A), (4A), (4B) and (6A) chéanna. thereof. (3) Beidh an tAire Gnóthaí (3) The Minister for Foreign Affairs Eachtracha agus Trádála (nó and Trade (or a member of the comhalta den Rialtas nó Aire Government or Minister of State Stáit a bheidh ainmnithe ina áit nominated in his or her stead) nó ina háit) ina chomhalta nó ina shall be an ex officio member of comhalta ex-officio den Choiste the Committee and shall be agus beidh sé nó sí i dteideal entitled to vote in proceedings. vótáil in imeachtaí. (4) Féadfaidh Feisirí de chuid (4) Members of the Westminster Pharlaimint Westminster arna Parliament elected from dtoghadh ó thoghcheantair i constituencies in Northern dTuaisceart Éireann freastal ar Ireland may attend meetings of chruinnithe den Chomhchoiste the Joint Committee and of its agus dá fho-Choistí agus sub-Committees and may take féadfaidh siad páirt a ghlacadh in part in proceedings without imeachtaí gan ceart vótála a having a right to vote or to move bheith acu ná ceart tairiscintí a motions and amendments. dhéanamh ná leasuithe a thairiscint. (5) Beidh Cathaoirleach an (5) The Chairman of the Joint Chomhchoiste ina chomhalta nó Committee shall be a member of ina comhalta de Dháil Éireann. Dáil Éireann.”
Seanad Motion 16 June, 2011
“(1) Go gceapfar Roghchoiste, ar a (1) That a Select Committee mbeidh 5 chomhalta de Sheanad consisting of 5 members of Éireann, a bheidh le comhcheangal Seanad Éireann be appointed to le Roghchoiste atá le ceapadh ag be joined with a Select Dáil Éireann, chun bheith ina Committee to be appointed by Chomhchoiste um Fhorfheidhmiú Dáil Éireann to form the Joint Chomhaontú Aoine an Chéasta Committee on the chun breithniú a dhéanamh ar an Implementation of the Good méid seo a leanas— Friday Agreement to consider— (a) saincheisteanna a éiríonn as (a) issues arising from Ireland’s ról na hÉireann mar role as a signatory to the shínitheoir le Comhaontú Good Friday Agreement, Aoine an Chéasta, (b) forbairtí leanúnacha i dtaca le (b) ongoing developments in forfheidhmiú Chomhaontú the implementation of the Aoine an Chéasta, agus Good Friday Agreement, and (c) aon tograí a bhaineann le (c) any proposals relating to the forfheidhmiú Chomhaontú implementation of the Good Aoine an Chéasta agus nithe Friday Agreement and such gaolmhara a tharchuirfidh an related matters as shall be Dáil agus/nó an Seanad referred to it by the Dáil chuige ó am go ham, and/or the Seanad from time to time, agus chun tuarascáil a thabhairt and to report back to both do dhá Theach an Oireachtais uair Houses of the Oireachtas at least sa bhliain ar a laghad. once a year.
(2) Beidh ag an gComhchoiste na (2) The Joint Committee shall have cumhachtaí a mhínítear i mBuan- the powers defined in Standing Ordú 71, seachas mír (2A), (4A), Order 71, other than paragraph (4B) agus (6A) den chéanna. (2A), (4A), (4B) and (6A) thereof. (3) Beidh an tAire Gnóthaí Eachtracha (3) The Minister for Foreign Affairs agus Trádála (nó comhalta den and Trade (or a member of the Rialtas nó Aire Stáit a bheidh Government or Minister of State ainmnithe ina áit nó ina háit) ina nominated in his or her stead) chomhalta nó ina comhalta ex- shall be an ex officio member of officio den Choiste agus beidh sé the Committee and shall be nó sí i dteideal vótáil in imeachtaí. entitled to vote in proceedings. (4) Féadfaidh Feisirí de chuid (4) Members of the Westminster Pharlaimint Westminster arna Parliament elected from dtoghadh ó thoghlaigh i constituencies in Northern dTuaisceart Éireann freastal ar Ireland may attend meetings of chruinnithe den Chomhchoiste the Joint Committee and of its agus dá Fhochoistí agus féadfaidh sub-Committees and may take siad páirt a ghlacadh in imeachtaí part in proceedings without gan ceart vótála a bheith acu ná having a right to vote or to move ceart tairiscintí a dhéanamh ná motions and amendments. leasuithe a thairiscint. (5) Beidh Cathaoirleach an (5) The Chairman of the Joint Chomhchoiste ina chomhalta nó Committee shall be a member of ina comhalta de Dháil Éireann. Dáil Éireann.”
APPENDIX 2: Membership
List of Members (Joint Committee)
Deputies: Declan Breathnach (FF) Fergus O’Dowd (FG) Seán Crowe (SF) [Chair] Tony McLoughlin (FG) Maureen O'Sullivan (IND) – Independent 4 Change Sean Sherlock (LAB) Brendan Smith (FF)
Senators: Frances Black (IND) Frank Feighan (FG) Ned O’Sullivan (FF) Gerard Craughwell (IND) Niall Ó Donnghaile (SF)
Notes:
1. Deputies nominated by the Dáil Committee of Selection and appointed by Order of the Dáil of 29 June 2016. 2. Senators nominated by the Seanad Committee of Selection and appointed by Order of the Seanad of 21 July 2016. 3. Senator Frank Feighan replaced Senator Jerry Buttimer and Senator Gerard Craughwell replaced Senator Marie-Louise O’Donnell by Order of the Seanad on 27 October 2016. 4. Deputy Fergus O’Dowd replaced Deputy Joe Carey Order of the Dáil on November 15 2016. 5. Deputy Seán Crowe nominated as Chair by the Dáil Committee of Selection and appointed by Order of the Dáil on 7 November 2017 and replaced Deputy Kathleen Funchion 6. Senator Denis Landy resigned his membership of Seanad Éireann on 28 November 2017 7. Senator Ned O’Sullivan replaced Senator Mark Daly by Order of the Seanad on 18 December 2018
APPENDIX 3: Meetings of the Joint Committee
The following are the details, in date order, of the scheduled meetings of the Joint Committee which took place during the period under report.
Meeting Topic Organisations, Groups and No. and Individuals who attended Date J27 Discussion on Independent Commission for the 25/1/2018 Legacy Issues Location of Victims' Remains (Resumed) Mr. Frank Murray Sir Kenneth Bloomfield Mr. Geoff Knupfer J28 Legacy Issues Commission for Victims and Survivors 08/02/2018 (Resumed) Ms. Judith Thompson Mr. John Beggs
J29 Private Meeting 22/02/2018 J30 Private Meeting 08/03/2018 (Postponed)
J31 Legacy Issues Ulster University 22/3/2018 (Resumed) Professor Duncan Morrow
Queen’s University Belfast Professor Kieran McEvoy Doctor Anna Bryson
J32 Issues Facing Coiste na n-Iarchimí 19/4/2018 Prisoners and ex- Mr Michael Culbert Prisoners Mr Kevin Mulgrew
J33 Private Meeting 03/05/2018 J34 Impact of Brexit on Queen’s University Belfast 17/05/2018 the Good Friday Dr Katy Hayward Agreement Professor David Phinnemore J35 Impact of Brexit on Ulster University 14/06/2018 the Good Friday Dr Jonny Byrne Agreement (resumed)
J36 Private Meeting 12/07/2018 J37 Private Meeting 27/09/2018 Meeting Topic Organisations, Groups and No. and Individuals who attended Date (Postponed – BIPA)
J38 North South Intertrade Ireland 11 October Implementation Mr Aidan Gough 2018 Bodies Ms Margaret Hearty Tourism Ireland Mr Niall Gibbons
J39 Private Meeting 18 October (Postponed) 2018 J40 North South Safefood Ireland 25 October Implementation Mr Ray Dolan 2018 Bodies Mr Paul Gibbons Ms Patricia Fitzgerald Dr Gary A Kearney J41 North South Waterways Ireland & Loughs Agency 8 November Implementation Ms Dawn Livingstone 2018 Bodies Ms Sharon McMahon Dr Patrick Boylan Mr Barry Fox Mr Andrew Duncan
J42 Private Meeting 22 November 2018
J43 Private Meeting 6 December 2018
APPENDIX 4: Minutes of Proceedings of the Joint Committee
Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement Draft Minutes of Meeting of Thursday 25th January 2018
1. The Joint Committee met in public session at 14.18 pm in Committee Room 2, LH2000, a quorum being present.
2. Members Present
The following members were present:
Deputies Declan Breathnach (in the Chair), Brendan Smith, and Maureen O’Sullivan.
Senators Frank Feighan, Mark Daly, Gerard Craughwell and Niall Ó Donnghaile.
Apologies were received from the Chairman, Deputy Seán Crowe.
In accordance with paragraph (4) of the Orders of Reference of the Committee, the following Members of the Westminster Parliament elected from constituencies in Northern Ireland also attended:
Mickey Brady MP, Paul Maskey MP.
3. Meeting with the Independent Commission on the Location of Victims Remains
The Chair welcomed the following witnesses to the meeting in public session - Mr. Frank Murray, co-Commissioner - Sir Kenneth Bloomfield, co-Commissioner - Mr. Geoff Knupfer, Senior Investigator
The witnesses made presentations to the Joint Committee, which were followed by a Questions and Answers session.
The Joint Committee agreed to issue a press release supporting the work of the Commission on the Location of Victims Remains and highlighting the contact details for members of the public to get in touch with the organisation.
4. Minutes
The minutes of the meeting of 14 December 2017 were agreed. .
5. Correspondence
Some of the correspondence received from Members of the Joint Committee related to proposals for the Work Programme for 2018 and had been received at short notice. Members were advised that these would be discussed at the next meeting, in order to give Members adequate time to consider same.
The following items of correspondence were considered by the Committee:
[JCIGFA 106] Email from Barbara Walshe, Chair of Board, Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation proposing a date and programme for the Joint Committee visit to the Glencree centre in Enniskerry.
It was agreed that the Joint Committee will accept the invitation and visit Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation on the 13 February 2018.
[JCIGFA 107a, 107b] Email from Alistair Stewart, Queens University, and a briefing note on the Northern Ireland/Ireland Border, Regulatory Alignment and Brexit prepared by Professor David Phinnemore and Dr. Katy Hayward.
It was agreed that the Joint Committee invite the authors to appear before it to discuss this report.
[JCIGFA 108a, 108b] Email from Katie Daughen, Head of Brexit Policy, British Irish Chamber of Commerce, and the Chambers recently published paper “How to make Brexit Work for All: Big Principles for a Strong Brexit Partnership”.
It was agreed that Members interested in the report should attend the meeting of The Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs committee on the 1st February 2018 where this report would be discussed.
6. Draft Work Programme 2018
Members were advised that the Committee Secretariat is drafting the Work Programme 2018 and it should be ready for Members to discuss and agree at the next meeting.
Members were also informed that the Joint Committee Secretariat is also researching proposals to mark the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.
Members were requested to email the Committee Secretariat if there were any other contributions on either of these matters. The Committee Secretariat advised costs of a trip to Washington would be circa €2,500 per Member, however in the absence of agreed times and duration it was difficult to put together estimates. Senator Daly suggested the Joint Committee should visit for St. Patrick’s Day, and the Committee Secretariat will produce an estimate based on this. Members were advised that proposals relating to this visit were to be sent into the Committee Secretariat by Friday 2 February 2018.
7. Travel Proposal - Belfast
The Joint Committee had agreed to undertake a visit to Belfast to meet with Irish Language groups, and other stakeholders relevant to the Joint Committees work. A date of 20/21 February was agreed, and it was agreed that this visit will take the place of the formal scheduled Committee meeting that week. Senator Daly proposed that the Joint Committee meet with some unionist groups also as part of this visit. The Chair advised him to send the request in writing to the Committee Secretariat, who would include this in the programme for the Joint Committees considerations, as per agreed protocols
8. AOB The Joint Committee agreed to seek an update from the Department of Foreign Affairs on the Aidan McAnespie case. It was agreed the Committee Secretariat would seek an update from the Department of Foreign Affairs in regards to Senator Daly’s request to provide a table on the outstanding implementation issues pertaining to the Good Friday Agreement.
9. Adjournment
The Committee adjourned at 15.31 p.m. until 2.15 p.m. on Thursday 8 February 2018.
______Seán Crowe TD Chairman
08 February 2018
Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement Draft Minutes of Meeting of Thursday 8th February 2018
1. The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.21 pm in Committee Room 2, LH2000, a quorum being present.
2. Members Present
The following members were present:
Deputies Seán Crowe (in the Chair), Brendan Smith, Maureen O’Sullivan and Declan Breathnach.
Senators Frank Feighan, Mark Daly, Gerard Craughwell and Niall Ó Donnghaile.
Apologies were received from Deputy Seán Sherlock and Senator Frances Black.
In accordance with paragraph (4) of the Orders of Reference of the Committee, the following Members of the Westminster Parliament elected from constituencies in Northern Ireland also attended:
Mickey Brady MP, Chris Hazzard MP.
3. Legal and Procedural Advice to the Joint Committee
The Joint Committee heard legal and procedural advice in relation to public session hearings from Suzanne Gunn, Legal Advisor, OPLA and Michelle Grant, Principal Officer, Committee Secretariat. The Joint Committee agreed they would like time to consider and reflect on what they had heard.
4. Meeting with the Commission for Victims and Survivors
The Chair welcomed the following witnesses to the meeting in public session - Ms. Judith Thompson, Commissioner for Victims and Survivors - Mr. John Beggs, Secretary to the Commission The witnesses made presentations to the Joint Committee, which were followed by a Questions and Answers session. The Chair thanked the witnesses for appearing and on behalf of the Joint Committee acknowledged and supported the work of the Commission. He also advised that the Joint Committee will consider the invitation extended to it to meet with the forum on Victims and Survivors.
5. Minutes
The minutes of the meeting of 25 January 2018 were agreed.
The Joint Committee agreed an estimate for a proposed travel event to Washington. It was agreed that the Committee Secretariat would investigate suitable dates, and revert to the Committee with same.
6. Correspondence
Before the correspondence was considered, the Joint Committee Members were reminded of the protocol in respect of Committee Correspondence. Correspondence for the Committee is to be sent to the Clerk to the Committee who will circulate it to all Members in accordance with Standing Order 106. Members were also reminded that Correspondence should be received at least 3 days before the Joint Committee is due to meet, to allow Committee Members have an adequate opportunity to consider same. However, it was also noted that there may be urgent matters the Committee may need to consider but these items of correspondence should be the exceptional.
The following items of correspondence were considered by the Committee:
[JCIGFA 109] Email from Senator Black
It was noted that the Joint Committee have already agreed to consider the issues facing ex- prisoners and it was agreed that the Committee would invite the proposed witnesses to address the Joint Committee as part of these discussions.
As Members had recently visited Cushendall and Rathlin Island and there is a comprehensive work programme to consider and numerous groups for the Joint Committee to hear from, it was agreed that the Committee could revisit a request for a public hearing at a later date if a suitable opportunity arises in the work schedule.
[JCIGFA 110] Email from Senator Daly requesting changes to the Work Programme of 2018, and requesting that be appointed to compile a short rapporteur report
It was noted that the Joint Committee discussed this proposal during the meeting of 14 December 2017, and at that meeting it was agreed that Senator Daly would submit a formal scoping note to the Joint Committee on what the proposals for this report are, in order to allow Members have an opportunity to consider the request before any further discussions. It was agreed that that decision of the Committee stands, and that no further consideration would be given to this matter until a formal scoping note as requested by the Joint Committee on 14 December 2017 has been circulated.
[JCIGFA 111] Email from Senator Daly requesting the following be included in the Work Programme of 2018, “Detailed, issue by issue, line by line report by the Department of Foreign Affairs to the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement on what remains to be implemented in the Good Friday Agreement. It was noted that the Department of Foreign Affairs had provided an update advising that, further to the Tánaiste’s indication to Senator Daly at the Joint Committees meeting of the 23 November they are working to prepare a document that would as comprehensively as possible provide information on the implementation of the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement. The Committee agreed to give the Department time to complete their work in this regard.
[JCIGFA 112] Email from Senator Daly regarding the Committee being provided with an analysis of the aims of the Joint Committee, as set out in the Work Programme and of those which targets were achieved. It was agreed that this request would conflict with the Joint Committees ability to amend its business and respond to items not specifically outlined in the Work Programme and it was agreed that the Work Programme should remain flexible. It was agreed that the Annual Report would be reviewed to consider matters in the Work Programme not dealt with, from the next year onwards.
[JCIGFA 113] Email from Senator Daly seeking approval to be appointed along with Senator Craughwell rapporteur on the issue of Unionist Attitudes to a United Ireland. The Joint Committee had previously expressed a preference to consider the matter of engagement with unionists as part of the Joint Committees work, and to hold public hearing and outreach visits with this community. It was agreed that the Joint Committee would consider this matter as previously discussed.
[JCIGFA 114] Email from Senator Daly, requesting that the Committee asks the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Defence for an update on the Aidan McAnespie enquiry.
An update from the Department of Foreign Affairs was circulated in a briefing note to Members.
[JCIGFA 115] Email from Senator Daly, requesting that the Committee inserts various proposals into the Work Programme.
It was agreed that most of these matters had already been dealt with. The was agreed that the Joint Committee would seek a meeting with the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach marking the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.
[JCIGFA 116] Email from Senator Daly, requesting that the Committee asks the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Defence for a detailed report on the Good Friday Agreement outstanding implementation issues It was agreed that the matter had been dealt with
[JCIGFA 117] Email from Senator Daly, requesting that the Committee invites working class unionists to Dublin to discuss Brexit.
It was agreed that Senator Daly send in a list of witnesses he would like the Joint Committee to meet to the Committee Secretariat for circulation to Members, in order to allow Members to give due consideration to same.
7. Travel Proposal – Joint Committee Visit to Belfast
Members were circulated with proposed programmes for business for the Joint Committee’s visit to Belfast. The Joint Committee agreed to a 2 day visit given the number of groups to be met with. The visit would take place on the 20&21 February (in place of that weeks scheduled meeting). It was noted that the programme covered a range of issues relevant to the Joint Committee over both of the 2 days, so Members who were able to attend for 1 of the days would get the benefit of meeting a range of groups. Members agreed that this visit was in accordance with CPP rules on travel as outstanding issues on the Good Friday Agreement, Reconciliation, and Victims and Survivors issues are key themes for this committee.
Adjournment
The Committee adjourned at 4.29 p.m. until 2.15 p.m. on Thursday 08 March 2018.
______Seán Crowe TD Chairman 22 March 2018
Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement Draft Minutes of Meeting of Thursday 22nd February 2018
1. The Joint Committee met in private session at 4.33 pm in Committee Room 2, LH2000, a quorum being present.
2. Members Present The following members were present:
Deputies Seán Crowe (in the Chair), Brendan Smith, Maureen O’Sullivan, Sean Sherlock and Declan Breathnach.
Senators Mark Daly, Frances Black and Niall Ó Donnghaile.
Apologies were received from Senators Gerard Craughwell and Frank Feighan.
3. Correspondence
A letter received by the Joint Committee from the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation was circulated. It was agreed it was not a matter for the Joint Committee, rather a matter for an individual member. The Member apologised that his remarks were taken out of context, and committed to contacting the impacted parties to rectify the matter.
Although it was not a matter for the Joint Committee, the Chair advised he would contact Glencree in an informal capacity.
Members were reminded of the long standing convention that the Chair of the Joint Committee deals with media briefings on behalf of the Joint Committee.
Attention was also drawn to a recently published news article concerning a report being produced for the Joint Committee, and it was agreed that the Joint Committee did not agree to appoint any rapporteurs to produce such a report.
4. Adjournment
The Committee adjourned at 5.03 p.m. until 2.15 p.m. on Thursday 8 March 2018.
______Seán Crowe TD Chairman 22 March 2018
Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement Draft Minutes of Meeting of Thursday 22nd March 2018
1. The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.20 pm in Committee Room 2, LH2000, a quorum being present.
2. Members Present The following members were present:
Deputies Seán Crowe (in the Chair), Brendan Smith, Maureen O’Sullivan, Declan Breathnach.
Senators Mark Daly, Frances Black and Frank Feighan.
Apologies were received from Senators Gerard Craughwell, Niall Ó Donnghaile and Deputy Fergus O’Dowd.
In accordance with paragraph (4) of the Orders of Reference of the Committee, the following Members of the Westminster Parliament elected from constituencies in Northern Ireland also attended:
Chris Hazzard MP, Michelle Gildernew MP.
Apologies were received from Lady Sylvia Hermon MP.
3. Discussion on Legacy Issues (resumed)
The Chair welcomed the following witnesses to the meeting in public session - Professor Duncan Morrow, Lecturer in Politics and Director of Community Engagement, Ulster University - Professor Kieran McEvoy, Professor of Law and Transitional Justice at the School of Law and a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Conflict Transformation and Social Justice, Queen’s University Belfast - Dr. Anna Bryson, Senior Lecturer in the School of Law, Queen’s University Belfast The witnesses made presentations to the Joint Committee, which were followed by a Questions and Answers session.
4. Minutes
The minutes of the meetings of 08 February 2018 and 22 February 2018 were agreed.
5. Correspondence
The following items of correspondence were considered by the Committee:
[JCIGFA 119, 121, 124a, 124b, 125 and 127]
It was agreed that the above items be noted by the Joint Committee
[JCIGFA 118] Email from Senator Mark Daly requesting that Co-operation Ireland be invited to appear before the committee to discuss the Communities in Transitions initiative
It was agreed that the Joint Committee would consider inviting Co-operation Ireland to appear when a suitable opportunity arises in the Joint Committee schedule.
[JCIGFA 120] Email from Deputy Declan Breathnach – follow up query from the Joint Committee meeting with Minister Coveney regarding cross border health supports.
It was noted that the Committee Secretariat had contacted the Department of Foreign Affairs to seek an answer and were advised that DFAT were following up with the Department of Health. The response will be circulated to Members of the Joint Committee when it is received by the Committee Secretariat
[JCIGFA 122] Email from Professor Richard English from Queen’s University Belfast – Invitation to Members and MPs to the Queen’s University Belfast Building Peace: 20 Years of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement Conference on Tuesday on 10 April 2018.
It was agreed that the Clerk will respond to this invitation on behalf of Members and MPs on Friday 23 March 2018 and that anyone who has not yet responded and would like to be included should notify the Clerk by email. It was further noted that any Members wishing to attend the Department of Foreign Affairs event “A Further Shore” would confirm their attendance to the Committee Secretariat.
[JCIGFA 123a, 123b and 123c] Letter from the Joint Committee of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission and the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission regarding Policy Statement on the human rights and equality implications of Brexit.
It was agreed that these items were circulated for noting, however the Joint Committee may wish to invite in the Joint Commissioners to address the Joint Committee when we return to our consideration of the implications of Brexit.
[JCIGFA 126a, 126b] Email from Pádraig Ó Tiarnaigh with a message to the Joint Committee inviting it to visit the Corrymeela Community in Belfast.
It was agreed that the Joint Committee will write thanking this community for their invitation to visit, and advising that the Joint Committee will consider this as part of our next Outreach visit to Belfast
6. Draft Travel Report – September 2017
Members advised they would like additional time to consider this report. It was agreed that discussion would be postponed until the next Joint Committee meeting.
7. Annual Report 2017 Members advised they would like additional time to consider this report. It was agreed that discussion would be postponed until the next Joint Committee meeting.
8. Work Programme 2018
Members advised they would like additional time to consider this report. It was agreed that discussion would be postponed until the next Joint Committee meeting. It was noted that report on the recent series of meetings discussing issues affecting Victims and Survivors would be drafted. While this report will concentrate on recent meetings, it was further noted that this may be a topic revisited by the Joint Committee over the coming year, and further engagements with Victims and Survivor groups may be held.
9. Travel Proposal – Washington Members discussed a suitable date and delegation.
It was agreed that Members would indicate their interest and availability and the Chair would determine a suitable date and delegation having due regard to party representation and gender balance. It was agreed that an application would be made to the Chair of the Working Group of Committee Chairs to allow 4 members to travel as part of this delegation to ensure appropriate balance across the delegation.
10. AOB
It was noted that correspondence submitted was not included in this meeting, and the Committee Secretariat advised it would be brought forward at the next meeting. The Joint Committee discussed communication between Glencree and a Committee Member. Members were reminded that only agreed reports of the Joint Committee, laid before the Houses, should be circulated publicly. The Joint Committee were reminded that the Chair is the spoke person for the Joint Committee and represents the Joint Committee, particularly in view of the sensitive matter dealt with by this particular Committee.
11. Adjournment
The Committee adjourned at 4.55 p.m. until 2.15 p.m. on Thursday 19 April 2018.
______Seán Crowe TD Chairman 19 April 2018 Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement Draft Minutes of Meeting of Thursday 19th April 2018
1. The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.12 pm in Committee Room 4, LH2000, a quorum being present.
2. Members Present The following members were present:
Deputies Seán Crowe (in the Chair), Brendan Smith, Maureen O’Sullivan, Declan Breathnach,
Senators Mark Daly, Frances Black, Frank Feighan and Niall Ó Donnghaile.
Apologies were received from Senators Gerard Craughwell and Deputy Seán Sherlock
In accordance with paragraph (4) of the Orders of Reference of the Committee, the following Members of the Westminster Parliament elected from constituencies in Northern Ireland also attended:
Mickey Brady MP, Francie Molloy MP.
3. Issues Facing Former Prisoners
The Chair welcomed the following witnesses to the meeting in public session - Mr. Michael Culbert, Director of Coiste na n-Iarchimí - Mr. Kevin Mulgrew, Chair of Coiste na n-Iarchimí The witnesses made presentations to the Joint Committee, which were followed by a Questions and Answers session.
The witnesses advised they will provide an update to the Joint Committee shortly outlining areas of concern, and suggesting ways in which the Committee can provide assistance.
It was agreed that the Joint Committee would consider writing to the Department of Foreign Affairs in relation reconciliation funding, and to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to raise concerns in relation to PEACE IV funding however the Joint Committee would hold off on drafting any correspondence until after the document from the witnesses outlining areas of concern was received.
4. Minutes
The minutes of the meetings of 22 March 2018 were agreed.
5. Correspondence
The following items of correspondence were considered by the Committee:
[JCIGFA 128a, 128b, 129a, 129b, 131]
Items withdrawn by Senator Daly
[JCIGFA 132] Email from Senator Mark Daly requesting information from the Department of Foreign Affairs regarding the request for a report regarding the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.
It was agreed that the Joint Committee write to the Minister formally requesting an update.
[JCIGFA 133] Email from Co-Operation Ireland seeking a meeting with the Committee, to engage with youth participants to hear their concerns and priorities regarding Brexit.
It was agreed that the Joint Committee would meet this group and that the Committee Secretariat would make the necessary arrangements.
[JCIGFA 134] Email from Alan Largey, Co-Operation Ireland seeking a meeting with the Committee, to engage with participants from previous meetings held in Belfast.
It was agreed that the Joint Committee would meet this group and that the Committee Secretariat would make the necessary arrangements. It was agreed that these meetings would coincide with the Joint Committee scheduled meetings insofar as possible.
6. Draft Travel Report – September 2017
It was agreed that the draft report be the report of the Committee, and will be laid before both the Houses.
7. Annual Report 2017 It was agreed that the draft report be the report of the Committee, and will be laid before the Houses.
8. Work Programme 2018
It was agreed that the draft report be the report of the Committee, and will be laid before the Houses.
9. AOB
Details for the upcoming Joint Committee visit to Washington were discussed.
10. Adjournment
The Committee adjourned at 3.29 p.m. until 2.15 p.m. on Thursday 03 May 2018.
______Seán Crowe TD Chairman 03 May 2018
Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement Draft Minutes of Meeting of Thursday 3rd May 2018
1. The Joint Committee met in private session at 2.23 pm in Committee Room 4, LH2000, a quorum being present.
2. Members Present The following members were present:
Deputies Seán Crowe (in the Chair), Brendan Smith, Maureen O’Sullivan, Declan Breathnach,
Senators Frances Black, Frank Feighan, Gerard Craughwell and Niall Ó Donnghaile.
In accordance with paragraph (4) of the Orders of Reference of the Committee, the following Members of the Westminster Parliament elected from constituencies in Northern Ireland also attended:
Paul Maskey MP, Elisha McCallion MP.
3. Issues regarding Maghaberry Prison
The Chair welcomed the following witnesses to the meeting in private session
- Mr. Peter Bunting - Mr. Conal McFeely
The witnesses made presentations based on their work and reports to the Joint Committee, which were followed by a Questions and Answers session.
4. Minutes
The minutes of the meetings of 19 April 2018 were agreed.
5. Correspondence
The Joint Committee noted an email from Michael Culbert, thanking them for allowing him to present at the previous meeting.
The report of the International Fund for Ireland 2017 was circulated, and Members who were on the delegation travelling to Washington were advised to take particular note of this report,
6. Draft Travel Report – Belfast February 2018
The draft report of the Joint Committee visit to Belfast in February was considered by the Joint Committee, and they agreed to adopt this report. It was agreed that it will be laid before both the Houses.
Senator Frank Feighan took over the role of Chair from 3.45pm.
7. Joint Committee Visit to Washington It was agreed that the following key messages would be presented by the delegation on behalf of the Joint Committee:
• On the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement it is important to note the significance of the contribution of the USA.
• Dealing with legacy and reconciliation matters remains a key focus.
• A broad approach is needed to deal with all legacy matters to ensure no community feels left behind.
• The Joint Committee will strongly encourage for the re-appointment of a US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland.
• Continuing strong partnership with the UK needs to continue, despite the challenges presented by Brexit.
• It is important to note that fears about Brexit in the Border areas are not just economic but social and psychological.
8. AOB No AOB considered
9. Adjournment
The Committee adjourned at 3.55 p.m. until 2.15 p.m. on Thursday 17 May 2018.
______Seán Crowe TD Chairman 17 May 2018
Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement Draft Minutes of Meeting of Thursday 17th May 2018
10. The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.19 pm in Committee Room 4, LH2000, a quorum being present.
11. Members Present The following members were present:
Deputies Seán Crowe (in the Chair), Maureen O’Sullivan and Fergus O’Dowd
Senators Frances Black, Frank Feighan, Mark Daly and Gerard Craughwell.
In accordance with paragraph (4) of the Orders of Reference of the Committee, the following Members of the Westminster Parliament elected from constituencies in Northern Ireland also attended:
Michelle Gildernew MP.
12. Impact of Brexit on the Good Friday Agreement
The Chair welcomed the following witnesses to the meeting in public session
- Dr Katy Hayward, Queens University Belfast Professor David Phinnemore, Queens University Belfast
The witnesses made presentations to the Joint Committee, which were followed by a Questions and Answers session.
13. Minutes
The minutes of the meetings of 03 May 2018 were agreed.
14. Correspondence
The following items of correspondence were considered by the Committee:
Email from European Movement Ireland, and additional documents sharing results of the 2018 EM Ireland / Res C poll on Ireland and the EU
It was agreed that the above items be noted by the Joint Committee.
Email from Niall Murphy of Kevin R Winters Law requesting an informal meeting with a representative delegation from the Joint Committee, and sharing correspondence which was sent to the Taoiseach regarding frustrations with ongoing political crises in Northern Ireland.
It was agreed that the Joint Committee would arrange an informal meeting with this group. It was also agreed the Joint Committee should seek an informal meeting with the group representing the Unionist Community.
Email from Cllr Tim Attwood, Secretary Civil Rights Committee requesting an opportunity to address the Joint Committee to highlight the achievements of the Civil Rights movement and address some of the critical civil rights issues today.
It was agreed that this group be invited to address the Joint Committee and to outline their work.
Email from Órfhlaith Begley MP and letters from Patsy Kelly Jnr requesting an opportunity for the family of the late Patsy Kelly to address the Joint Committee.
It was agreed that the available Members of the Joint Committee meet the Kelly family informally when they visit Leinster House.
15. Adjournment
The Committee adjourned at 4.11 p.m. until 10.30 a.m. on Thursday 31 May 2018.
______Seán Crowe TD Chairman 14 June 2018
Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement Draft Minutes of Meeting of Thursday 31st May 2018
1. The Joint Committee met in private session at 10.30am in the Private Dining Room, Leinster House, a quorum being present.
2. Members Present The following members were present:
Deputies Seán Crowe (in the Chair), Declan Breathnach and Brendan Smith
Senators Frances Black, Frank Feighan, Mark Daly, Gerard Craughwell and Niall O'Donnghaile.
In accordance with paragraph (4) of the Orders of Reference of the Committee, the following Members of the Westminster Parliament elected from constituencies in Northern Ireland also attended:
Órfhlaith Begley MP.
3. The Good Friday Agreement – 20 years on
The Committee welcomed members of the LEGaSi group and members of Co-operation Ireland to the meeting to discuss the Good Friday Agreement, and the impact on the PUL community.
The witnesses made presentations to the Joint Committee, which were followed by a Questions and Answers session.
4. Adjournment
The Committee adjourned at 11.55am until 2.15pm on Thursday 14 June 2018.
______Seán Crowe TD Chairman 14 June 2018
Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement Draft Minutes of Meeting of Thursday 14th June 2018
16. The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.23 p.m. in Committee Room 4, LH2000, a quorum being present.
17. Members Present The following members were present:
Deputies Seán Crowe (in the Chair), Declan Breathnach, Fergus O’Dowd, Maureen O’Sullivan and Brendan Smith
Senators Frances Black, Frank Feighan and Mark Daly
In accordance with paragraph (4) of the Orders of Reference of the Committee, the following Members of the Westminster Parliament elected from constituencies in Northern Ireland also attended:
Chris Hazzard MP
The meeting suspended at 2:23 p.m. to allow the witness to be seated.
The meeting resumed in public session at 2:24 p.m.
18. Impact of Brexit on the Good Friday Agreement (Resumed)
The Chair welcomed the following witnesses to the meeting in public session
- Dr Jonny Byrne, Ulster University The witnesses made presentations to the Joint Committee, which were followed by a Questions and Answers session.
The meeting went into private session at 3:26 pm
19. Minutes
The minutes of the meetings of 17 May 2018 and 31 May 2018 were agreed.
20. Correspondence
The following items of correspondence were considered by the Committee:
141a&b. Letter from Paul Gosling - A New Union Ireland 2050, Post Brexit Economic and Political Consultative Draft. It was agreed to seek further information on this with a view to inviting submissions.
142. Meeting request from Dr. James Wilson on behalf of civic unionists. It was agreed that the Joint Committee would meet this group.
143. Senator Mark Daly requesting approval to compile a report with German economist, Gunther Thumann, to determine the true nature of the income and expenditure of Northern Ireland in a reunification scenario. It was agreed that 4 Members would be appointed to Co-Rapporteur a report for the Joint Committee (Senator Mark Daly, Senator Frank Feighan, Senator Frances Black and Senator Niall O’Donnaghaile)
21. AOB
Deputy Breathnach suggested inviting the Youth Group who contributed to the Joint Ombudsman (Dr Niall Muldoon, Ombudsman for Children and Ms Koulla Yiasouma, NI Commissioner for Children and Young People) Report “Brexit and the Impact on Children” to appear before the Joint Committee.
Members noted that any Member of Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann can attend Joint Committee meetings.
The Joint Committee agreed to undertake a visit to the North in the Autumn Term. A programme will be drafted by the Committee Secretariat over the coming recess.
22. Adjournment
The Committee adjourned at 3:41 p.m. until 2.15 p.m. on Thursday 28 June 2018.
______Seán Crowe TD Chairman 12 July 2018
Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement Draft Minutes of Meeting of Thursday 28th June 2018
1. The Joint Committee met in private session at 2pm in G.12 Kildare House.
2. Members Present The following members were present:
Deputies Seán Crowe (in the Chair), Declan Breathnach and Brendan Smith
In accordance with paragraph (4) of the Orders of Reference of the Committee, the following Members of the Westminster Parliament elected from constituencies in Northern Ireland also attended:
Mickey Brady MP.
3. The Impact of Brexit
The Committee welcomed members of the Together Apart youth group and members of Co- operation Ireland to the meeting to discuss their recent report “Together Apart: Our Future After Brexit”.
The witnesses made presentations to the Joint Committee, which were followed by a Questions and Answers session.
4. Adjournment
The Committee adjourned at 3pm until 2.15pm on Thursday 12 July 2018.
______Seán Crowe TD Chairman 12 July 2018
Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement Draft Minutes of Meeting of Thursday 12 July 2018
1. The Joint Committee met in public session at 2:15 pm in Committee Room 4, LH2000, a quorum being present.
2. Members Present
The following members were present:
Deputies: Seán Crowe (in the Chair), Declan Breathnach, Maureen O’Sullivan and Brendan Smith
Senators: Frances Black, Frank Feighan, Mark Daly, Gerard Craughwell and Niall Ó Donnghaile
Apologies were received from Deputy of Sean Sherlock
In accordance with paragraph (4) of the Orders of Reference of the Committee, the following Members of the Westminster Parliament elected from constituencies in Northern Ireland also attended:
Órfhlaith Begley MP
3. Statement regarding recent violence in Belfast and Derry
The Chairman expressed concern on behalf of the Committee in relation to the reports of recent violence in Belfast and Derry, condemning these acts of violence, and also acknowledging the work of the police, emergency services members of the clergy and community groups in addressing these incidents. A press statement was agreed for release on behalf of the Joint Committee.
The Chairman also expressed gratitude to all Members, MPs and the Committee Secretariat for their work this term.
4. Minutes of previous meetings
Minutes of the meetings 14 June 2018 and 28 June 2018 were circulated and agreed.
5. Correspondence
Items 147a,b and c were noted.
Item 145a – Email from Senator Mark Daly seeking appointment as Rapporteur to compile a report on behalf of the Joint Committee examining the issue of Countering Violent Extremism. Members agreed that this was a sensitive topic and it may not be the right time to compile a report. Senator Daly withdrew the request.
Items 144, 145b, 148 and 148a were taken together under discussion on the Work Programme. Item 145b – Email from Senator Mark Daly, and draft report on Northern Ireland Income and Expenditure in a reunification scenario. Deputy Smith cautioned that the Joint Committee should take a balanced view and seek input from a range of economists on this matter. It was agreed that Members raise any observations on this report with the group working on it, and the rapporteurs would undertake further work. The Committee also agreed that when the report came before them, they would discuss Deputy Smith’s proposal to invite economists from across the island to appear before the Joint Committee to assist the Committee in it’s consideration of the report, prior to publication of the report.
6. Work Programme 2018
The Work Programme agreed earlier in the year was circulated to Members.
In light of hearing from various witnesses on the issues affecting Victims and Survivors, Prisoner and Ex-Prisoner Issues as well as hearing from many various groups on the impact of Brexit, and in particular on the Good Friday Agreement, The Committee Secretariat worked on a draft report on issues impacting victims and survivors. It was agreed to consider this report in the Autumn Term.
It was also agreed that the Committee Secretariat would put together a programme to visit the North in the autumn term. It was agreed that the Joint Committee would meet with representatives of the civic unionist and nationalists as part of the travel proposals, and to visit with the Civil Rights committee as previously agreed. The Chair asked Members to email the Committee Secretariat with any additional suggestions they wish to be included for consideration as part of the travel programme.
The Committee then returned to correspondence items numbers 144, 145b, 148 and 148a, all of which had a similar theme.
As all the items followed a similar theme, it was proposed to move to consideration of Item 48 which could encompass all these proposals.
Item 148 – Email from Senator Niall O’Donnghaile proposing establishment of a sub- committee of the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement Committee, to look specifically at “Constitutional Issues” as set out in the Good Friday Agreement.
The Joint Committee agreed to establish a sub-committee as proposed. Deputy Brendan Smith dissented. It was agreed that Terms of Reference would be considered by Members, and the Joint Committee would return to consideration of same after the recess.
8. Adjournment
The Committee adjourned at 4.20pm sine die.
______
Seán Crowe T.D.
Chairman
11 October 2018
Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement Draft Minutes of Meeting of Thursday 11 October 2018
1. The Joint Committee met in public session at 2:15 pm in Committee Room 4, LH2000, a quorum being present.
2. Members Present
The following members were present:
Deputies: Seán Crowe (in the Chair), Declan Breathnach, Fergus O’Dowd, Tony McLoughlin, Maureen O’Sullivan,
Senators: Frances Black, Frank Feighan, Mark Daly, Gerard Craughwell and Niall O’Donnghaile.
Apologies were received from Deputy Brendan Smith
In accordance with paragraph (4) of the Orders of Reference of the Committee, the following Members of the Westminster Parliament elected from constituencies in Northern Ireland also attended:
Michelle Gildernew MP
The meeting commenced in public session at 2:20 p.m.
The meeting suspended at 2:21 p.m. to allow witnesses to take their seats.
The meeting resumed in public session at 2:22 p.m.
3. Meeting with InterTradeIreland
The Chairman welcomed the following witnesses to the meeting.
Mr. Aidan Gough – Chief Executive
Ms. Kerry Curran – Policy Research Officer
The witnesses made presentations to the Joint Committee, which were followed by a questions and answer session.
The meeting suspended at 3:08 p.m. for a changeover of witnesses.
The meeting resumed in public session at 3:13 p.m.
4. Meeting with Tourism Ireland
The Chairman welcomed the following witness to the meeting.
Mr. Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive
The witness made a presentation to the Joint Committee, which was followed by a questions and answer session. The meeting went into private session at 4:02 p.m.
It was agreed to postpone private business until the next meeting.
5. Adjournment
The Committee adjourned at 4:07 p.m.
______
Seán Crowe TD,
Chairman,
18th October, 2018
Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement Minutes of Meeting of Thursday 25 October 2018
1. The Joint Committee met in public session at 2:15 pm in Committee Room 4, LH2000, a quorum being present.
2. Members Present
The following members were present:
Deputies: Seán Crowe (in the Chair), Declan Breathnach, Fergus O’Dowd, Tony McLoughlin, Maureen O’Sullivan, Sean Sherlock and Brendan Smith
Senators: Frances Black, Frank Feighan and Niall Ó Donnghaile
Apologies were received from Senator Gerard Craughwell
The meeting commenced in public session at 2:20 p.m.
The meeting went into private session at 2:21 p.m.
3. Minutes
The minutes of the meetings 12th July and 11th October were agreed.
The meeting suspended at 2:43 p.m. for five minutes.
The meeting went into private session at 2:48 p.m.
4. Terms of Reference of the Sub-Committee
The committee resumed consideration of the draft Terms of Reference and amendments proposed. It was agreed that revised Terms of Reference brought forward by the Chairman be circulated to Members. Further consideration adjourned to the next Joint Committee meeting.
The meeting resumed in public session at 2:59 p.m.
5. Meeting with Safefood
The Chairman welcomed the following witnesses to the meeting.
Mr. Ray Dolan, CEO Mr Paul Gibbons, Vice Chair Ms Patricia Fitzgerald, Director Corporate Operations Dr. Gary A .Kearney, Director Food Science
Mr. Ray Dolan made a presentation to the Joint Committee, which was followed by a questions and answer session.
The meeting went into private session at 3:44 p.m.
6. Adjournment
The Committee adjourned at 3:49 p.m.
______
Seán Crowe TD,
Chairman,
8th November, 2018
Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement Minutes of Meeting of Thursday 8 November 2018
1. The Joint Committee met in public session at 2:25 pm in Committee Room 4, LH2000, a quorum being present.
2. Members Present
The following members were present:
Deputies: Declan Breathnach, Seán Crowe, Fergus O’Dowd, Tony McLoughlin, Maureen O’Sullivan and Brendan Smith
Senators: Frances Black, Frank Feighan, Mark Daly and Gerard Craughwell
In accordance with paragraph (4) of the Orders of Reference of the Committee, the following Members of the Westminster Parliament elected from constituencies in Northern Ireland also attended:
Elisha McCallion MP
The meeting went into Private Session at 2:26 p.m.
3. Minutes
The minutes of the meeting 25th October were agreed.
4. Orders of Reference of the Sub-Committee
The committee resumed consideration of the draft Orders of Reference and amendments proposed.
It was agreed that officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade be invited to attend the next meeting of the Committee to advise in the matter.
5. Travel Proposal
The Travel Estimate for the Committee’s proposed trip to Northern Ireland on Tuesday 27th and Wednesday 28th November was agreed.
6. Any Other Business
No other matters were raised.
The meeting returned to public session at 2:41 p.m.
7. Meeting with Waterways Ireland and the Loughs Agency
The Chairman welcomed the following witnesses to the meeting.
Ms. Dawn Livingstone, Chief Executive, Loughs Agency Ms. Sharon McMahon, Designated Officer, Loughs Agency Dr. Patrick Boylan – Senior Biologist, Loughs Agency Mr. Barry Fox – Director of Agriculture, Loughs Agency Mr. Andrew Duncan – Vice Chair, Loughs Agency
Ms. Dawn Livingstone and Ms. Sharon McMahon made presentations to the Joint Committee on behalf of their respective organisations, which was followed by a questions and answer session.
8. Adjournment
The Committee adjourned at 4:03 p.m.
______
Seán Crowe TD,
Chairman,
22nd November, 2018
Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement Draft Minutes of Meeting of Thursday 22nd November 2018
1. The Joint Committee met in private session at 14.23 in Committee Room 4, LH2000, a quorum being present.
2. Members Present
The following members were present:
Deputies Seán Crowe (in the Chair), Declan Breathnach, Maureen O’Sullivan, Brendan Smith, Fergus O’Dowd and Tony McLoughlin.
Senators Frances Black, Frank Feighan and Mark Daly.
In accordance with paragraph (4) of the Orders of Reference of the Committee, the following Members of the Westminster Parliament elected from constituencies in Northern Ireland also attended:
Mickey Brady MP and Órfhlaith MP.
3. Meeting with Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
The Chair welcomed officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to the meeting. The officials gave a short presentation on current issues impacting the Good Friday Agreement, and this was followed by a Questions and Answers session.
The meeting was suspended at 14.38 and resumed at 14.54 due to Members being required for votes in the Dáil Chamber.
4. Minutes
The minutes of the meeting of 8 November were agreed.
5. Correspondence
The following items of correspondence were considered by the Committee:
JCIGFA 153. Email from Deputy Declan Breathnach asking that the Committee make a formal request to An Taoiseach to release a key Brexit report which details the arears of North-South Co-operation under the Good Friday Agreement that are at risk due to Brexit.
The Joint Committee agreed to this request. 6. AOB
Members were asked to begin consideration of a Committee Work Programme for 2019, and asked to send in any items they would like included to the Committee Secretariat
7. Adjournment
The Committee adjourned at 16.15 until Thursday 6 December 2018.
______Declan Breathnach TD Vice Chairman 6 December 2018