annual report 2001
NIA 9/02 CONTENTS
1. Introduction by Joint Secretaries 3
2. Chapter 1 - Background to North/South Ministerial Council 5
3. Chapter 2 - The Operation of the North/South Ministerial Council 9
4. Chapter 3 - NSMC Plenary Meeting 13
5. Chapter 4 - NSMC Institutional Meeting 17
6. Chapter 5 - NSMC Sectoral Meetings 21
7. Chapter 6 - The Joint Secretariat 43
8. Annex 1 - Attendance at Plenary Meeting 47
9. Annex 2 - Attendance at Institutional Meeting 49
10. Annex 3 - Attendance at Sectoral Meetings 51
11. Annex 4 - Financial Information 57
12. Annex 5 - Joint Secretariat Organisation Chart 59
13. Annex 6 - North/South Bodies Contact Details 61
14. Annex 7 - North/South Bodies Board Members 65
15. Annex 8 - Departmental Information 69
2 INTRODUCTION BY JOINT SECRETARIES
3 INTRODUCTION
We are very pleased to present the were, therefore, increasingly in a second Annual Report of the position to undertake their full North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC). programmes of work. Sound progress This covers the NSMC’s activities for the can now be reported in all areas coming year 2001. Established under the terms within the mandate of the Council. of the Belfast Agreement of Good Friday 1998, the NSMC brings together We should like to place on record our representatives of the Northern Ireland thanks to all Ministers from both Executive and the Irish Government to jurisdictions and their officials for their develop consultation, co-operation and strong support for the Secretariat and action within the island of Ireland on their unfailing courtesy in their dealings matters of mutual interest. Our task as with us as Joint Secretaries and our Joint Secretaries, together with our staff. colleagues in the Joint Secretariat, is to support the work of the Ministers in the We look forward to the continued Council and to help ensure the smooth success of the Council and to making a and efficient conduct of its business. real difference in matters which are of tangible benefit to both parts of the In its second full year the Council has island. overseen the settling down of the North/South Bodies, with the procurement of permanent accommodation and the appointment of Chief Executives and other key personnel. During 2001, the Bodies
Dr. Peter Smyth Tim O’Connor Joint Secretary (North) Joint Secretary (South)
Armagh September 2002
4 CHAPTER 1
BACKGROUND TO THE NORTH/SOUTH MINISTERIAL COUNCIL
5 THE NORTH/SOUTH MINISTERIAL COUNCIL 1.1 The North/South Ministerial separately (also commonly Council (NSMC) was established referred to as the Areas for Co- on Thursday 2 December 1999 on operation), and in the case of at the entry into force of the least six others by means of new British-Irish Agreement, which North/South Implementation was signed by the British and Bodies (also commonly referred to Irish Governments as part of the as the North/South Bodies) Agreement reached in the Multi- operating at a cross-border or all- Party Negotiations in Belfast on island level. Good Friday, 10 April, 1998 (“the Agreement”). The Agreement 1.3 The Agreement also provided that stipulates that the North/South the 12 Areas in question would Ministerial Council will bring be identified and agreed by the together those with executive representatives of the Northern responsibilities in Northern Ireland transitional Administration Ireland and the Irish Government and the Irish Government, in to develop consultation, co- consultation with the British operation and action within the Government as part of a work island of Ireland - including programme of the transitional through implementation on an North/South Ministerial Council. all-island and cross-border basis - on matters of mutual interest 1.4 Negotiations between the parties and within the competence of and the two Governments each Administration, North and resulted in agreement on the 12 South. The NSMC comprises Areas. The outcome of these Ministers of the Northern Ireland negotiations was set out in a Administration and the Irish Joint Statement issued by the Government, working together to First Minister (designate) and take forward co-operation Deputy First Minister (designate) between both parts of the island on 18 December 1998. to mutual benefit. 1.5 In that statement, the Six Areas AREAS OF OPERATION OF identified as those in which co- operation would be taken forward THE COUNCIL by the new North/South Bodies, were: 1.2 The Agreement provided that at least 12 subject areas would be Inland Waterways identified for co-operation and Food Safety implementation for mutual Trade and Business benefit under the aegis of the Development Council. Co-operation in these Special EU Programmes areas would be implemented in Language (Irish and Ulster- two ways - in the case of at least Scots) six of them by means of existing Aquaculture and Marine bodies in each jurisdiction Matters. 6 annual report 2001
1.6 Aspects of six other Areas were TRANSITIONAL MEETING OF identified as those in which co- operation would be taken forward NSMC by existing bodies in each 1.9 As mentioned above, the jurisdiction separately: Agreement required that the North/South Ministerial Council, Agriculture meeting in transitional form, Education should agree the areas where co- Environment operation and implementation Health would take place. Accordingly, Transport the Council met in transitional Tourism, including Tourism form on 1 December, 1999 in Ireland Limited. Belfast, at Parliament Buildings, Stormont. 1.7 In accordance with the Statement of 18 December, 1998, the British 1.10 At this meeting, the Council and Irish Governments formally confirmed the 12 Areas subsequently concluded an and the arrangements in relation Agreement on the establishment to them set out in paragraphs 1.5 of the North/South Bodies - to 1.8 above. “Agreement between the Government of Ireland and the 1.11 These 12 Areas constitute those Government of the United matters on which the Council can Kingdom of Great Britain and take decisions by agreement on Northern Ireland establishing (a) policies for implementation Implementation Bodies,” signed separately in each jurisdiction and on 8 March, 1999 (“the British- on (b) policies and actions at an Irish Agreement of 8 March, all-island and cross-border level 1999”). The British-Irish for implementation by the Agreement of 8 March, 1999 North/South Bodies. Further formally set out the functions development of these and structure of the North/South arrangements is possible by Bodies and the common agreement in the Council, and arrangements applying to them. with the specific endorsement of the Northern Ireland Assembly 1.8 The British-Irish Agreement of 8 and the Oireachtas, subject to the March, 1999 was given domestic extent of the competences and effect, North and South, by responsibilities of the two means of the North/South Co- Administrations. operation (Implementation Bodies) (Northern Ireland) Order, 1999, and the British-Irish Agreement Act, 1999, respectively.
7 8 CHAPTER 2
THE OPERATION OF THE NORTH/SOUTH MINISTERIAL COUNCIL
9 THE FORMATS OF COUNCIL MEETINGS 2.1 The NSMC meets in a number of basis, one normally being the Formats. It meets in Plenary Minister with responsibility for Format with the Northern Ireland that Sector within the Executive. Executive delegation led by the This is in line with the First Minister and Deputy First requirements of the Agreement Minister and the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland Act delegation led by the Taoiseach 1998 that participation by the and the Tánaiste. The task of the Executive in the NSMC must be Plenary is to take an overview of co-operation on the island and of such as to ensure cross- the North/South institutions. The community involvement. NSMC met in Plenary Format 2.4 During 2001, a total of 22 once in 2001. This was in Dublin meetings in Sectoral Format were on 30 November. held. 2.2 The NSMC also meets in 2.5 All NSMC decisions are by Institutional Format with the agreement between the two sides Northern Ireland Executive being in the Council. represented by the First Minister and Deputy First Minister and the Irish Government by the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The task of FUNCTIONS OF THE the Institutional Format is to COUNCIL consider institutional and cross- sectoral issues, including in 2.6 The Council carries out a number relation to the EU and to resolve of functions in accordance with any disagreements. The first Strand Two of the Agreement. NSMC meeting in Institutional These were set out in the Format took place in Belfast on Agreement, as follows: 17 December 2001. • To exchange information, discuss 2.3 The NSMC meets in Sectoral and consult with a view to co- Format to oversee co-operation in operation on matters of mutual the agreed 12 Areas or Sectors, as interest within the competence of described in Chapter 1. The both Administrations, North and NSMC meets in relation to these South; sectors a number of times each year. At these meetings, the Irish • To use best endeavours to reach Government side is represented by agreement on the adoption of common policies, in areas where the Minister responsible for that there is a mutual cross-border Sector, while the Northern Ireland and all-island benefit, and which Administration is represented by are within the competence of two Ministers nominated by the both Administrations, North and First Minister and Deputy First South, making determined efforts Minister on a cross-community to overcome any disagreements; 10 annual report 2001
• To take decisions by agreement 2.9 In regard to three of the Bodies, on policies for implementation InterTradeIreland, the separately in each jurisdiction, in North/South Language Body and relevant meaningful areas within the FCILC, the functions of each the competence of both Body are exercised by a Board Administrations, North and appointed by the NSMC. A fourth South; Body, the FSPB, has an advisory Board, also appointed by the • To take decisions by agreement NSMC. In its case, the functions on policies and action at an all- of the Body are exercised by the island and cross-border level to Chief Executive. The remaining be implemented by the two Bodies, Waterways Ireland North/South Bodies. and the SEUPB, do not have Boards; in each of these cases, the functions of the Body are NORTH/SOUTH BODIES exercised by the Chief Executive.
2.7 Each of the six North/South 2.10 The North/South Bodies are Bodies operates on an all-island funded from grants made by the basis. While having a clear two administrations, North and operational remit, all function South. The Bodies may employ under the overall direction of the staff or may employ the services North/South Ministerial Council, of other persons for particular with clear accountability lines purposes. In the initial stage of back to the Council and to the their establishment the Bodies Oireachtas and the Northern have been largely staffed by civil Ireland Assembly. servants seconded from their parent Departments, North and 2.8 The Bodies are: South. However, the Bodies have also been taking on directly Waterways Ireland recruited staff.
The Food Safety Promotion 2.11 Further information on the work Board (FSPB) of the North/South Bodies is set out in the Sectoral Reports in The Trade and Business Chapter 5. Development Body (InterTradeIreland) AREAS FOR CO-OPERATION The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) 2.12 The Areas for co-operation and the aspects that were agreed for The North/South Language initial consideration by the NSMC Body (consisting of two Agencies are as follows: i.e. Foras na Gaeilge and Tha Boord o Ulstèr-Scotch) • Transport: strategic planning and development of cross-border The Foyle, Carlingford and Irish co-operation (while co-operation Lights Commission (FCILC) would primarily arise in respect of (consisting of two Agencies i.e. road and rail planning, it would the Loughs Agency and The take account of issues arising in Lights Agency) the port and airport sectors), and road and rail safety; 11 • Agriculture: discussion of CAP issues, animal and plant health policy and research and rural development;
• Education: education for children with special needs (eg autism, hearing impairment), educational underachievement, teacher qualifications, and school, youth and teacher exchanges;
• Health: accident and emergency planning; emergency services, co- operation on high technology equipment, cancer research and health promotion;
• Environment: research into environmental protection, water quality management and waste management in a cross-border context;
• Tourism: it was agreed to establish a publicly-owned limited company to market the island of Ireland overseas as a tourism destination.
2.13 Further information on the work of the Council in these areas is set out in the Sectoral Reports in Chapter 5. NORTH/SOUTH MINISTERIAL COUNCIL JOINT SECRETARIAT
2.14 The work of the North/South Ministerial Council is supported by a standing Joint Secretariat, staffed by members of the Northern Ireland Civil Service and the Irish Government Civil Service - see Chapter 6.
12 CHAPTER 3
NSMC PLENARY FORMAT MEETING
13 NSMC PLENARY MEETING
3.1 The Council met in Plenary Activities Format in Dublin Castle on 30 November 2001. At this meeting 3.4 The Council noted the Annual the Irish Government delegation Report on the activities of the was led by the Taoiseach, Mr North/South Ministerial Council Bertie Ahern TD and the Tánaiste, from its establishment in Ms Mary Harney TD, and the December 1999 to 31 December Northern Ireland Executive 2000. delegation was led by the First Minister, the Rt Hon David 3.5 The Council also received a Trimble, MP, MLA and the progress report on the work of Deputy First Minister, Mr Mark the NSMC at meetings in Sectoral Durkan, MLA. Format since January 2001. The Council noted with satisfaction 3.2 At this, the third Plenary Meeting, the progress that has been made both sides in the Council in implementing the work acknowledged the importance of programme set out at the first the occasion and expressed their Plenary meeting of the NSMC in satisfaction at recent positive December 1999. Both sides developments in regard to the looked forward to continued implementation of all aspects of progress being made in these the Belfast Agreement of Good areas to mutual benefit. Friday 1998. 3.6 The Council considered and 3.3 The Council reviewed the approved a schedule of NSMC programme of co-operation meetings to take place over the which it oversees and took coming months. decisions about a number of specific proposals. 14 annual report 2001
North/South Consultative should ensure that, in considering proposals, care should be taken to Forum avoid creating barriers to East- West mobility and that the 3.7 The Council received a progress proposals should avoid creating report on work done by the unjustified advantage for cross- Working Group established to border workers beyond that take forward a study on the available in the respective establishment of an Independent jurisdictions. North/South Consultative Forum. The Council noted that more Budgets work was to be undertaken and agreed that further discussions on the issue would take place at the 3.10 The Council recommended the first Institutional Format meeting budgets for the North/South with a further progress report to Bodies to the Irish Government be made at the next Plenary. and the Northern Ireland Administration for 2002 totalling Stg.£54.37m/€92.07m. The Obstacles to Cross-Border respective contributions to this Mobility amount will be Stg.£40.01m/€67.74m from the 3.8 The Council received a report by Irish Government and the Joint Steering Group on the Stg.£14.37m/€24.33m from the Study of Obstacles to Cross- Northern Ireland Administration. Border Mobility on the island of The Council also noted Ireland. The Council noted the provisional figures for Tourism work done by the Joint Steering Ireland Limited for 2002 of Group and the report produced Stg.£26.78m/€45.33m with by the consultants. It agreed that respective contributions to this the two Administrations would amount of Stg.£19.46m/€32.95m not offer a view on the from the Irish Government and conclusions at this stage, pending Stg.£7.31m/€12.38m from the publication of the report to allow Northern Ireland Administration. interested organisations, including They also noted indicative Government Departments and provisions for the North/South individuals, the opportunity to Bodies for 2003 and 2004. present their views on the recommendations and their implementation. Economic Issues
3.9 The Council also agreed that the 3.11 The Council received a report on present Steering Group would enhancing competitiveness in the manage the consultation exercise two economies, which was and bring forward to the next commissioned by the Department NSMC Plenary, a paper of Enterprise, Trade and summarising, evaluating and Employment and the Department costing the recommendations in of Enterprise, Trade and light of the outcome of the Investment, working in consultation and reaching conjunction with conclusions, including on InterTradeIreland, the Trade and implementation proposals, where Business Development Body. The appropriate. Finally, the Council Council noted the content and agreed that the Steering Group 15 findings of the report and that the conclusions covered a broad spectrum of work across a range of administrative functions. The Council requested that the relevant Government Departments and Agencies pursue the competitiveness agenda to mutual economic benefit, in the areas for which they have responsibility.
3.12 The Council noted the current position with regard to the Irish Government’s Programme for Prosperity and Fairness and its National Development Plan and the Northern Ireland Administration’s draft Programme for Government.
3.13 There was a discussion of the effects on the economies of both jurisdictions of the horrific events of 11 September 2001. The Council agreed that their aftermath posed significant challenges for the economies of both jurisdictions. The Council considered how the tourism agencies on the island of Ireland are developing proposals to reduce the impact on tourism.
3.14 There was also discussion on emergency planning in the light of the events of 11 September 2001. It was agreed that there is a need for continued cross- border co-operation in the health area and the structures in place in each jurisdiction with respect to planning for major incidents.
3.15 A list of the Ministers who attended the Plenary meeting is set out in Annex 1.
16 CHAPTER 4
NSMC INSTITUTIONAL MEETING
17 NSMC INSTITUTIONAL MEETING
4.1 The Council met in Institutional Transport Sectoral Format, on 17 December 2001 in Parliament Buildings, Belfast. At Arrangements this meeting, the Northern Ireland Administration was represented 4.2.1 The Council recognised that it by the First Minister, the Rt Hon has not been possible to hold David Trimble, MP, MLA and the more than one meeting in the Deputy First Minister, Mr Mark Transport Sector. It agreed, Durkan, MLA. The Irish however, that the officials from Government was represented by both Administrations and the the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Joint Secretariat should explore Mr Brian Cowen, TD. the possibility of the next Sectoral Meeting on Transport 4.2 This first meeting in Institutional concentrating on road safety Format provided a useful issues, an area for which the opportunity to take stock of the Northern Ireland Minister of the functioning of the Council in its Environment has responsibility. first two years of operation. At the meeting, the NSMC addressed the following issues: Lights Agency
4.2.2 The Council noted the work undertaken and the complexities that have arisen in the Lights Agency under the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission in terms of pursuing a transfer of the existing 18 annual report 2001
functions of the Commissioners Budgetary Provisions for of Irish Lights to the Lights Agency. It agreed that officials North/South Bodies should review the matter further and offer advice to the next 4.2.5 The Council recommended the meeting of the Council in budgetary provisions for 2002 Institutional Format. and the contributions from the Northern Ireland Executive and the Irish Government for the North/South Co-operation North/South Bodies, including Tourism Ireland Ltd. outside the current Programme of Work of the NSMC European Union Issues
4.2.3 The Council considered a paper 4.2.6 The Agreement provides that the outlining current areas of co- Council is to consider the operation between Departments European dimension of relevant and Agencies in both matters, including Administrations that do not come implementation of EU policies within the current programme of and programmes and proposals work of the NSMC. The Council under consideration in the EU agreed that officials from both framework. Ministers had a Departments and the Joint preliminary and helpful exchange Secretariat should consider areas of views on how arrangements of co-operation further and offer giving effect to this might be advice to the Council at its next developed, noting the respective meeting in Institutional Format. roles of the NI Administration and the Council in the development of EU issues. The Council agreed that further work Cross-Sectoral Issues should be undertaken to consider the most effective way of 4.2.4 The Council acknowledged pursuing its role under the progress to date in relation to Agreement in regard to the EU issues of a cross-sectoral nature dimension. It agreed to establish affecting the six North/South a Working Group for this Bodies and Tourism Ireland Ltd, purpose, which would report back which were established under the to the next meeting of the Agreement. These included areas Council in Institutional Format. such as accountability, reporting and financial arrangements, including pension schemes and Consultative Forum audits and freedom of information. 4.2.7 Ministers noted the work undertaken by a Working Group of officials from both Administrations set up following the Plenary meeting of the Council in Dublin on 26 September 2000 to undertake a study which would give effect to
19 the provision in paragraph 19 of Strand 2 of the Agreement. The Council agreed that the Independent Consultative Forum should be based on a formal interaction between structures representative of civil society in Northern Ireland and the South.
4.2.8 It also agreed that the Working Group should consult with the Northern Ireland Civic Forum and the Social Partners participating in the Central Review Mechanism of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness with a view to bringing forward detailed proposals for consideration at the next Plenary meeting of the Council.
Publication of First Annual Report of the North/South Ministerial Council
4.2.9 After the Council meeting, Ministers launched the first Annual Report of the North/South Ministerial Council. The Report contains a commentary on the operation of the Council and the North/South Bodies during their first year of existence and underlines, in tangible terms, the potential across many sectors of co- operation for the benefit of all the people throughout the island.
20 CHAPTER 5
NSMC SECTORAL MEETINGS
21 NSMC SECTORAL MEETINGS INTRODUCTION for the following navigation systems, which were previously 5.1.1 This Chapter provides an outline under the respective control of of the work of the NSMC in the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Sectoral Format during 2001. Gaeltacht and the Islands in the The Council covers 12 Sectors, South and the Department of corresponding to the 12 Areas Agriculture and Rural which constitute those matters on Development in Northern Ireland: which the Council can take decisions by agreement (a) on • The Shannon-Erne Waterway, The policies for implementation Erne System, The Grand Canal, separately in each jurisdiction and The Barrow Navigation, The (b) on policies and actions at an Lower Bann Navigation, The all-island and cross-border level Royal Canal, The Shannon for implementation by the Navigation. North/South Bodies. A list of the Ministers who attended these 5.2.3 Waterways Ireland is also charged meetings in 2001 is at Annex 3. with taking forward further studies and appraisals in relation to the possible restoration of the INLAND WATERWAYS SECTOR Ulster Canal. 5.2.4 Waterways Ireland completed WATERWAYS IRELAND another phase of its establishment in 2001 when a 5.2.1 The Council meets in the Inland number of important practical Waterways Sector in order to take arrangements were put in place. decisions on policies and action It began functioning from an to be implemented by Waterways interim Headquarters in Ireland. Details in regard to the Enniskillen and work has started Ministers attending the meetings on establishing its new of the Council in this Sector are permanent Headquarters there. contained in Annex 3. Regional offices were set up during the year in Scarriff, Carrick-on-Shannon, and in Dublin. FUNCTIONS/OBJECTIVES 5.2.5 The Body operates in three 5.2.2 Waterways Ireland’s primary regions: Northern, Eastern and function is the management, Western. By the end of 2001, maintenance, development and Waterways Ireland had 244 staff, restoration of the inland including three posts at Director navigable waterway system level. The aim is to have the full throughout the island, principally staff complement in place during for recreational purposes. 2002. Waterways Ireland is responsible 22 annual report 2001
5.2.6 Progress continued to be made 5.2.10 During the year the Council on a number of other issues received Waterways Ireland’s related to the administration of assessment of the study on the the new Body, including the feasibility of re-opening the putting in place of the Ulster Canal. The study is now necessary financial procedures, being considered by the development of an information Department of Arts, Heritage technology system and the Gaeltacht and the Islands in the preparation of an Equality South and by the Department of Scheme required under the Culture, Arts and Leisure in Northern Ireland legislation. Northern Ireland.
5.2.7 The 2001 Budget requirement for 5.2.11 The Council approved proposals Waterways Ireland, approved at for the marketing and promotion the Sectoral Meeting held in of inland waterways and the Scarriff, Co. Clare on 29 January, establishment of an advisory was IR£25.09m/Stg£20.07m. group on marketing issues. It was decided that boating/cruising on the inland Activities navigations should be marketed as a separate niche market and a 5.2.8 There were three meetings of the joint Bord Fáilte/Northern Ireland NSMC in its Inland Waterways Tourist Board brochure and Sector in 2001. These took place marketing campaign was on 29 January, 27 June and 23 launched in 2001. November. The appointment of Mr. John Martin as permanent 5.2.12 The Council noted Waterways Chief Executive of Waterways Ireland’s first Annual Report Ireland was approved at the which was presented to the meeting held on 29 January. Council. The Council acknowledged Waterways 5.2.9 The Council gave its consent to Ireland’s role in protecting and plans from Waterways Ireland for developing the waterway heritage the compulsory purchase of of the island. The Council also certain lands necessary for the approved Waterways Ireland’s improvement of the Shannon Operational Plan for 2002. Navigation. In line with the decisions made by Council, 5.2.13 Waterways Ireland also briefed Waterways Ireland continued with the Council on a highly major capital projects on the successful World Canals Shannon Navigation including Conference, which was held in major navigation works in Dublin, Belfast and Lisburn in Limerick City, the Grand and May 2001. Over 220 delegates Royal Canals and refurbishment participated in the Conference. of a number of Lough Erne Moorings. Three major navigation projects at Limerick, Ballinasloe and Boyle were completed during the year and opened to boats. The official opening of the Limerick project took place in July 2001.
23 FOOD SAFETY AND HEALTH 5.3.4 Cross-border co-operation in all of these areas, between SECTORS organisations working in these fields, is central to the work of FOOD SAFETY PROMOTION BOARD the Board. The Board began operations by establishing a 5.3.1 The Council meets in the Food number of informal inter- Safety and Health Sectors in disciplinary functional groups to order to consider matters for co- assist in the elaboration of operation in Health as well as to functions. The output from these take decisions on policies and groups was used to help develop action to be implemented by the an initial corporate strategy and Food Safety Promotion Board, annual plan. which is a North/South Body. Details in regard to the Ministers attending the meetings of the Activities Council in these Sectors are contained in Annex 3. 5.3.5 The Food Safety Promotion Board established its head office in 5.3.2 The Food Safety Promotion Board Cork, and this was opened is principally charged with the formally on 24 November 2001, promotion of food safety and by Mr. Mícheál Martin, TD, supporting North/South scientific Minister for Health and Children, co-operation and links between and Ms. Bairbre de Brún, MLA, institutions working in the field Minister of Health, Social Services of food safety. It has an Advisory and Public Safety, in the presence Board of 12 members, appointed of An Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie by the NSMC (see Annex 7). Ahern, TD.
5.3.6 A meeting of the Council in the FUNCTIONS/OBJECTIVES Food Safety Sector, arranged for 29 June 2001 did not take place, 5.3.3 The Food Safety Promotion Board because no Northern Ireland carries out its role through public Ministers were nominated to campaigns, conferences, training attend. and advising professionals and the general public. It is also 5.3.7 The Council met once in the involved in supporting Food Safety Promotion Sector in North/South scientific co- 2001. This meeting took place operation, and links between on 16 November. The Council institutions working in the field approved, in principle, the of food safety - laboratories, candidate recommended for the statutory food safety enforcement post of Chief Executive of the agencies, international and Body, and has approved the domestic research bodies. The proposed management structure provision of advice to the Council and staffing arrangements for the on the development of cost- Body. effective specialised laboratory testing also falls within the 5.3.8 The Council received a progress Board’s remit. The Board also report on the work of the Food has a role to provide independent Safety Promotion Board on issues scientific assessment on food covering financial outturn for safety matters. 2000, accommodation, 24 annual report 2001
employment of staff, 5.3.13 In 2001, the Board, in association development of the website, with the Environmental Health awareness campaigns, award of Officers’ Association, piloted a research contracts and the forum certified food hygiene course in a on nutrition. The Council number of secondary schools. approved the Board’s Corporate The course is being further Strategy and Interim Plan for developed for roll-out to 2001 and noted a proposal to secondary schools in the South as develop a three year multi-annual part of the Transition Year plan for submission to the programme. Further adaptation Council when complete. is planned to suit its inclusion in secondary schools in Northern 5.3.9 The Council approved the Board’s Ireland. draft Equality Scheme and the New TSN Action Plan for public 5.3.14 The FSPB continued its consultation. programme of commissioning research projects, which include 5.3.10 An Advisory Committee, with a areas covering nutrition, membership of 16, comprising toxicology, microbiology, risk scientific experts and assessment and risk representatives of broader food communication. Projects will be safety interests was approved by completed within two to three the Council. The Committee will years and are being carried out in advise the Chief Executive on various research centres and technical and scientific matters universities throughout the island. and will assist in identifying emerging issues in the areas of food safety, hygiene and diet. TRADE AND BUSINESS
5.3.11 The Food Safety Promotion Board DEVELOPMENT SECTOR worked closely with food safety authorities, North and South, in TRADE AND BUSINESS preparing consumer information. DEVELOPMENT BODY - A booklet entitled “Is Beef Safe InterTradeIreland to Eat- BSE: The Facts” was made available through the 5.4.1 The Council meets in the Trade safefood helpline and many of and Business Development Sector the major supermarkets and in order to take decisions on butcher shops. The FSPB was policies and action to be also engaged in providing implemented by the Trade and consumer information and Business Development Body - assurance through the media and InterTradeIreland. Details in its helpline in relation to the food regard to the Ministers attending safety of meat products during the meetings of the Council in the outbreak of Foot and Mouth this Sector in 2001 are contained Disease. in Annex 3. 5.3.12 The Board has also undertaken 5.4.2 InterTradeIreland exercises a advertising initiatives on TV, radio range of functions in the trade and in the press, designed to and business sector, and works in increase public awareness of the close collaboration with the risks of food poisoning and the existing development agencies, preventative measures that can be North and South. Its overall taken in the home. objective is to promote 25 North/South trade and business development. FUNCTIONS/OBJECTIVES NSMC in its Trade and Business Development Sector in 2001, 5.4.3 InterTradeIreland’s mission, as which took place on 16 February stated in its Corporate Plan and 28 September. The Council 2002-2004 is “to lead the approved InterTradeIreland’s development of the island Corporate Plan for 2002-2004, economy through distinctive which defines its mission knowledge-based interventions, statement and strategic goals. which will produce significant The plan is themed around the returns in the areas of cross- concept of knowledge, as relating border trade and business to the generation and development”. InterTradeIreland dissemination of the information exercises a valuable range of and expertise which are required functions in the pursuit of this by business to expand all-island objective. Under the overall trade and business development policy direction of the NSMC, activity. InterTradeIreland will InterTradeIreland works in close work closely with existing collaboration with the agencies, North and South, as Department of Enterprise, Trade they implement their strategies. and Investment, Belfast, the Some of InterTradeIreland’s major Department of Enterprise, Trade programmes and promotional and Employment, Dublin, and activities include: with the existing development agencies, North and South. • an EquityNetwork, to promote awareness and exploitation of 5.4.4 InterTradeIreland also has the private equity funding among objective of enhancing enterprise small and medium sized competitiveness in a North/South enterprises; context in areas such as skills availability, telecoms, information • an all-island Knowledge Transfer technology and electronic Initiative to link business with the commerce. education sector;
5.4.5 The Board of InterTradeIreland is • an all-island Business Model, chaired by Dr Martin Naughton including the reconciliation of and the Vice-Chair is Dr Harold trade and related data; Ennis. The Chief Executive of InterTradeIreland is Mr Liam • the development of an all-island Nellis. The Board members are set trade portal; out in Annex 7. • Public Procurement initiatives;
Activities • Trade Awareness and Networking events; and 5.4.6 The facilitation and promotion of North/South trade and business • Provision of value-added business development was strengthened information services. during 2001 through the work of the Council in its Trade and Business Development Sector and through the delivery of new interventions by InterTradeIreland. There were two meetings of the 26 annual report 2001
5.4.7 The Council approved proposals competitiveness agenda in the by InterTradeIreland for the four areas mentioned, with a view operation of two distinct but to defining actions for complementary all-island/cross- implementation and reporting on border graduate placement progress to the Council. programmes, branded as Focus and Fusion, which link graduates, third level institutions, and SPECIAL EU PROGRAMMES business, in a marketing and technology transfer collaboration. SECTOR Business interest in and uptake of the programmes have been very SPECIAL EU PROGRAMMES BODY encouraging. Implementation of the programmes is continuing. 5.5.1 The Council meets in the Special EU Programmes Sector in order 5.4.8 The Council also approved an to take decisions on policies and ambitious InterTradeIreland action to be implemented by the programme to stimulate the use Special EU Programmes Body of private equity as a means to (SEUPB). Details in regard to the accelerate business growth in the Ministers attending the meetings SME sector. InterTradeIreland of the Council in this Sector are subsequently launched the contained in Annex 3. programme - now branded as EquityNetwork - with a focus in 2001 on its awareness and FUNCTIONS/OBJECTIVES demand generation elements. A major international conference on 5.5.2 The SEUPB has assumed certain the subject in April 2002 is a key responsibilities for the 1994 - aspect of ongoing 1999 PEACE and implementation of this Ireland/Northern Ireland programme. INTERREG IIA Programmes. The Finance Departments, North and 5.4.9 The Council approved for South, previously undertook these publication InterTradeIreland’s functions. Additionally, the Annual Review of Activities and SEUPB is the designated Annual Accounts for 2000 Managing Authority for the new (InterTradeIreland’s first Annual PEACE II and Ireland/Northern Report). Ireland INTERREG IIIA Programmes. This gives it 5.4.10 InterTradeIreland provided a significant managerial, grant- contribution to an all-island making and oversight functions Report on Enhancing in relation to these Programmes Competitiveness that was and the new round of considered by the Council in Community Initiative Programmes plenary session in November. That (LEADER+, EQUAL and URBAN II) contribution highlighted all-island financed by European Structural competitiveness issues in the Funds. The SEUPB also has areas of information technology, responsibility for monitoring and e-Commerce, telecoms and skills promoting the implementation of availability. In line with a decision North/South co-operative actions of the Council on the matter, through the medium of the InterTradeIreland is pursuing Common Chapter in the National work on the all-island Development Plan (NDP) for 27 Ireland and the Northern Ireland Programmes’ lives. Additionally, Structural Funds Plan. the SEUPB plays a role in co- ordinating the North/South dimensions of all other EU- Activities supported Programmes on the island, covering both Community 5.5.3 The Council met three times in Support Framework (CSF) activity the Special EU Programmes and a range of Community Sector in 2001. These meetings Initiatives (EQUAL, LEADER+ and took place in Dublin and were URBAN II) North and South. held on 9 April, 20 June and 30 During the year the Council October. reviewed and, where necessary, approved arrangements to enable 5.5.4 The Council dealt with a range of the SEUPB to carry out its business, which can be functions. categorised under four topics, namely: 5.5.6 In relation to the INTERREG IIIA Programme, the Council, at its • Implementation of the new EU- April meeting, accepted the supported Programme for Peace recommendations of an Action and Reconciliation, 2000-2004 Team, established to report to the and preparation of proposals for NSMC, regarding the role of the the Ireland/Northern Ireland three Border Corridor Groups, INTERREG IIIA Programme (made up of 18 local authorities, (2000-2006); North and South), in the context of the Programme. • Closure of the existing Programmes for Peace and 5.5.7 The Council established a Reconciliation 1995-1999 and Working Group to review progress INTERREG IIA 1994-1999; on the implementation of the Common Chapter and to identify • Development of implementation proposals for taking the initiative and monitoring frameworks for forward. The Working Group the Common Chapter of the reported to the Council at its National Development Plan and October meeting. The Council Northern Ireland Structural Funds approved the establishment of a Plan; permanent Joint Steering Group to oversee the implementation of • Matters relating to the corporate the Common Chapter. In structure and business activity of addition, the Council agreed to the SEUPB for 2000-2006. the establishment of a joint Common Chapter working group 5.5.5 The SEUPB has been designated of the Northern Ireland CSF and by the authorities, North and Irish NDP/CSF Monitoring South, to be the Managing Committees. Authority for both the new Peace and Reconciliation and INTERREG IIIA Programmes. These Programmes represent investment of some €700m and €173m of EU and national funds respectively in Northern Ireland and the Border Region over the 28 annual report 2001
LANGUAGE SECTOR appointed by the NSMC. A list of Board Members and their agencies is at Annex 7. THE NORTH/SOUTH LANGUAGE BODY AN FORAS TEANGA FORAS NA GAEILGE THA BOORD O LEID FEIDHMEANNA/CUSPÓIRÍ 5.6.1 The Council meets in the Language Sector in order to take 5.6.6 Chomh maith le feidhmeanna decisions on policies and action Bhord na Gaeilge a thabhairt to be implemented by the chuige féin, tugadh réimse North/South Language Body. leathan d’fheidhmeanna don Details of the Ministers attending áisínteacht chun cur lena the meetings of the Council in héifeacht maidir le cur chun cinn this Sector are contained in na Gaeilge. Mar shampla, in Annex 3. achar an oideachais, foclóirí agus téarmaíochta, ghlac sí chuici féin cúram an Choiste Téarmaíochta FUNCTIONS/OBJECTIVES agus ghlac as lámh na feidhmeanna a bhaineann le cúrsaí foilseacháin a bhí ag An 5.6.2 The Language Body is a single Gúm agus ag an aonad Body reporting to the tacaíochta Gaeilge i gColáiste North/South Ministerial Council Ollscoile Naomh Muire, (NSMC), but composed of two separate and largely autonomous agencies: the Irish Language 5.6.7 Is í Maighréad Uí Mháirtín atá Agency/Foras na Gaeilge; and the mar Chathaoirleach ar Fhoras na Ulster-Scots Agency/Tha Boord o Gaeilge agus tá 15 ball eile ar an Ulstèr-Scotch. Bhord.
5.6.3 Foras na Gaeilge has responsibility for the promotion Gníomhaíochtaí of the Irish language on an all- island basis. 5.6.8 Agus an nós imeachta in úsáid aici trína ndéantar cinní i 5.6.4 Tha Boord o Ulstèr-Scotch has bhformáidí earnálacha eile, responsibility for the promotion cheadaigh an Chomhairle an of greater awareness and use of Dréachtphlean Stráitéiseach Ullans and of Ulster-Scots d’Fhoras na Gaeilge a chlúdaíonn cultural issues, both within an tréimhse 2001-2010 ag Northern Ireland and throughout cruinniú earnálach na the island. nUiscebhealaí Intíre ar an 27 Meitheamh 2001. 5.6.5 The Chairperson of Foras na Gaeilge, Maighréad Uí Mháirtín, 5.6.9 Tháinig an Chomhairle i gceann a and the Chairperson of Tha Boord chéile aon uair amháin san o Ulstèr-Scotch, Lord Laird of fhormáid Earnálach Teanga i Artigarvan, are joint Chairpersons 2001. Tionóladh an cruinniú ar 7 of the Language Body. The Body Nollaig. Chomhaontaigh an has a Board of 24 members Chomhairle i bprionsabal go raibh 29 an t-iarratasóir a bhí molta ag an 5.6.14 Tá tús curtha ag Foras na Gaeilge phainéal roghnóireachta leis an obair chun Foclóir inghlactha ag an Fhoras Teanga Béarla/Gaeilge nua-aimseartha Thuaidh/Theas don phost mar PF d’ardchaighdeán a thiomsú. ar Fhoras na Gaeilge agus go bhféadfaí idirbheartaíocht a 5.6.15 Sa bhliain 2001 rinne Foras na thionscnamh leis an iarratasóir Gaeilge breis agus maidir le teacht ar chomhaontú IR£7m/€8.88m/Stg£5.6m a láithreach ar thuarastal tosaithe dháileadh ar thionscadail agus choinníollacha seirbhíse eile. Ghaeilge ar fud an oileáin. Cuireadh maoiniu ar fáil do 18 n- 5.6.10 Ag an chruinniú seo fuair an eagraíocht Ghaeilge dheonach, Chomhairle eolas cothrom le dáta thuaidh agus theas. Tugadh chomh maith ar shaincheisteanna maoiniú do bhreis agus 100 maidir le Pleanáil Chorparáideach tionscadal teanga, thuaidh agus a bhaineann le Foras na Gaeilge. theas, lena n-áirítear an Ina measc siúd bhí cuntas gairid tionscadal CLÁR i gcomhar leis an ar ghníomhaíochtaí na Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus hÁisínteachta atá molta do 2002, Forbartha Tuaithe. lena n-áirítear tionscnaimh in achar an oideachais, san earnáil 5.6.16 Ceadaíodh maoiniú chomh maith phobail agus ghnó, san earnáil d’iriseán Idirlín www.beo.ie agus phoiblí, sna healaíona agus i síníodh conradh nua trí bliana leis gcúrsaí taighde. Tabharfar faoi an iriseán Gaeilge COMHAR. thionscnaimh chun dea- chleachtas i gcúrsaí 5.6.17 Anuas air sin cheadaigh Foras na bainisteoireachta agus pearsanra a Gaeilge urraíocht shuntasach do chur i gcrích. na tionscadail seo a leanas:
5.6.11 D’iarr an Chomhairle ar Fhoras na • Cluiche ceannais camógaíochta Gaeilge ról ceannasaíochta a na hÉireann i bPáirc an Chrócaigh ghlacadh air féin i bpróiseas • Féile an Phobail i mBéal Feirste comhairlithe chun moltaí a chur • Ros na Rún ar TG4 chun tosaigh ar na bearta is gá a • Comórtas an Eolaí Óig dhéanamh le haghaidh • Féile Lá ‘le Pádraig athbhreithniú ar chaighdeán • Cumann Bhantracht Tuaithe na oifigiúil na Gaeilge scríofa. hÉireann
5.6.12 Chomhaontaigh an Chomhairle ar FUNCTIONS/OBJECTIVES Chód Iompraíochta do Bhaill an Bhoird agus d’Fhoireann Fhoras 5.6.18 As well as taking over the na Gaeilge. functions of Bord na Gaeilge, the Agency was given a wide range 5.6.13 D’aontaigh an Chomhairle gur of functions to add to its chóir go gcuirfí amach le effectiveness in promoting Irish. haghaidh comhairliú poiblí For example, in the area of Dréacht-Scéim Chomhionnanais education, dictionaries and An Fhorais Teanga agus Plean terminology, it assumed Gnímh Fhoras na Gaeilge i leith responsibility for the Terminology Aimsiú Nua Riachtanas Sóisialta Committee and took over the functions of An Gúm and St Mary’s University College Irish- medium support unit, which deal 30 with publications. annual report 2001
5.6.19 Maighréad Uí Mháirtín is 5.6.24 The Council approved a Code of Chairperson of Foras na Gaeilge Conduct for Board Members and and there are 15 other members Staff of Foras na Gaeilge. on the Board.
5.6.25 The Council agreed that the Activities Language Body’s Draft Equality Scheme and the Foras na Gaeilge 5.6.20 Using the procedure of decisions New Targeting Social Need Action being made in other sectoral Plan should go to public formats, the Council approved the consultation. Draft Strategic Plan for Foras na Gaeilge covering the period 2001- 5.6.26 Foras na Gaeilge has begun work 2010 at the Inland Waterways on producing a modern, high Sector meeting on 27 June 2001. quality English/Irish Dictionary.
5.6.21 The Council met once in its 5.6.27 Foras na Gaeilge allocated over Language Sector format in 2001. IR£7m/€8.88m/Stg£5.6m in 2001 The meeting took place on 7 to Irish language projects December. The Council agreed throughout the island. Funding in principle that the was provided for 18 voluntary recommended candidate of the Irish language organisations, selection panel was acceptable for North and South. In excess of appointment by the North/South 100 Language projects, north and Language Body to the post of south, including the CLÁR project CEO of Foras na Gaeilge and that in association with the negotiations could be opened Department of Agriculture, Food with the candidate with a view to and Rural Development, received reaching early agreement on funding. starting salary and other conditions of service. 5.6.28 Funding was also approved for an Internet magazine www.beo.ie, 5.6.22 At this meeting the Council also and a new three year contract received an update on Corporate was signed with the Irish Planning issues relating to Foras magazine COMHAR. na Gaeilge. These included an outline of the Agency’s proposed 5.6.29 Foras na Gaeilge also provided activities for 2002, incorporating substantial sponsorship for the initiatives in the educational following projects: sphere, the community and business sector, the public sector, • All-Ireland Camogie final in Croke the arts, and in research. Park Initiatives to achieve best practice • Féile an Phobal in Belfast in management and personnel • Ros na Rún on TG4 will also be undertaken. • Young Scientist Competition • Saint Patrick’s Day festival 5.6.23 The Council requested Foras na • Irish Country Women’s Gaeilge to take a lead role in a Association consultative process with a view to bringing forward proposals on the steps necessary for a review of the official standard of written Irish. 31 THA BOORD O ULSTÈR 5.6.36 Tha Boord o Ulstèr-Scotch haudit tae its darg o throchin its wisin, SCOTCH takkin tent o forderin tha Ulstèr- THE ULSTER-SCOTS Scotch leid an fowkgates, giein a AGENCY heeze tae tha lear o thaim, an fairin tha lippenin o tha baith amang tha resydentèrs. Amang DARGS/ETTLINS tha pratticks at tha Agentrie fendit throch twa thoosan an yin 5.6.30 Tha darg o Tha Boord o Ulstèr- wus: Scotch (tha Ulstèr-Scotch Agentrie) wud be furtae fordèr • A feck o sillerin fur the Steidin o mair wittin an yaisin o Ullans an Ulstèr-Scotch Buik-Learin at tha maittèrs anent Ulstèr-Scotch Universitie o Ulstèr, Magee fowkgates, ben Norlin Airlann an Collidge, quhilk wus stellit in athort tha islann furbye. Jennerwarry o twa thoosan an yin. 5.6.31 Laird Laird o Artigarvan bes tha • Sillerin fur tha Ulstèr-Scotch Preses o Tha Boord o Ulstèr- Heirskip Cooncil. Scotch an thar bes seivin ither • Sillerin inpit fur tha Ulstèr-Scotch memmers oan tha Boord. bät o tha Maiden Citie Blythe-Tid hauden in Ageest twa thoosan an Daeins yin. • Sillerin inpit fur an Ulstèr-Scotch 5.6.32 Quhaniver its Leid Shaidin gaitherin tae rin inbye tha Ulstèr foregaitherin oan 7 Decemmer Pipe Bann Gree-Kempin. wus hauden, tha Cooncil gat • A heid collogue o Ulstèr-Scotch newins anent Hannlin Mintin curns, tha Gan Forrit collogue, maittèrs adae wi Tha Boord o hauden in Galgorm in tha coontie Ulstèr-Scotch. Thir taen in Antrìm oan 24 Novemmer twa roadins fur leid an lear ontaks, an thoosan an yin. proponins anent takkin oan dargers fur tha Ulstèr-Scotch FUNCTIONS/OBJECTIVES Agentrie. 5.6.37 The remit of Tha Boord o Ulstèr 5.6.33 Tha Cooncil homologatit tha Scotch (the Ulster-Scots Agency) thirlin throch-pittin fur a new is the promotion of greater Heid Guider fur tha Boord o awareness and the use of Ullans Ulstèr-Scotch. and of Ulster-Scots cultural issues, both within Northern 5.6.34 Tha Cooncil homologatit furbye a Ireland and throughout the Rede o Sel-Guidin fur Boord island. memmers o Tha Boord o Ulstèr- Scotch. Yins is fur makkin an 5.6.38Lord Laird of Artigarvan is the inpittin tae tha Cooncil o a Rede Chairman of Tha Boord o Ulstèr o Sel-Guidin quhaniver tha Scotch and there are 7 other Agentrie haes its thirlin throchit. members on the Board.
5.6.35 Tha Cooncil homologatit furbye tha New Kempin Inlaik o Mense Jeein Rede o Tha Boord o Ulstèr- Scotch fur inpittin tae apen discoorse wi tha hale feck o resydentèrs. 32 annual report 2001
Activities gaitherin to run alongside the Ulster Pipe Band Championships. 5.6.39 At its Language Sector meeting • A major conference of Ulster- on 7 December, the Council Scots organisations, the Gan received an update on the Forrit conference, held in Corporate Planning issues relating Galgorm, Co. Antrim on 24 to Tha Boord o Ulstèr Scotch. November 2001. These included strategies for linguistic and educational programmes, and proposals for staff recruitment to the Ulster- AQUACULTURE AND Scots Agency. MARINE SECTOR 5.6.40 The Council approved the recruitment process for a new FOYLE, CARLINGFORD AND IRISH Chief Executive for Tha Boord o LIGHTS COMMISSION Ulstèr Scotch. 5.7.1 The Council meets in the 5.6.41The Council also approved a Code Aquaculture and Marine Sector in of Conduct for Board members of order to take decisions on policies Tha Boord o Ulstèr Scotch. A and action to be implemented by Code of Conduct for the staff of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish the Agency will be submitted to Lights Commission (FCILC). the Council when the Agency Details in regard to the Ministers completes its recruitment. attending the meetings of the Council in this Sector are contained in Annex 3. 5.6.42 The Council also approved Tha Boord o Ulstèr Scotch New 5.7.2 The FCILC exercises its functions Targeting Social Need Action Plan through two agencies. The for submission to public functions of the Commission in consultation. relation to the Foyle and Carlingford Areas are exercised 5.6.43 Tha Boord o Ulstèr-Scotch through an agency known as the continued its work on fulfilling Loughs Agency. The Loughs its mandate, focussing on Agency is now operational and developing the Ulster-Scots has replaced the Foyle Fisheries language and culture, promoting Commission. It is also intended their study and increasing public that the FCILC will be the General understanding of both. Amongst Lighthouse Authority for the the projects supported by the island of Ireland. This function Agency in 2001 were: currently rests with the • Part funding for the Institute of Commissioners of Irish Lights Ulster-Scots Studies at the which has accountability to the University of Ulster, Magee UK Department of Transport, College, which was launched in Local Government and the January 2001. Regions, as Trustee of the General • Funding for the Ulster-Scots Lighthouse Fund. Under the Heritage Council. relevant provisions, British and • Funding towards the Ulster-Scots Irish legislation is to be brought element of the Maiden City forward to transfer the Festival held in August 2001. Commissioners of Irish Lights • Funding towards an Ulster-Scots 33 functions to the FCILC, these Rural Development. functions being exercised through an agency of the FCILC known as 5.7.5 The Chief Executive of the the Lights Agency. The FCILC Loughs Agency is Mr Derick has a board of 12 members Anderson. appointed by the NSMC. The members of the Board are set out 5.7.6 The Agency has a staff in Annex 7. The Commission is complement of 33. chaired by Mr Peter Savage and the Vice-Chair is Lord Cooke of 5.7.7 The new Headquarters established Islandreagh. The Board of FCILC at Prehen on the Foyle was met on 3 occasions during 2001. officially opened in June. The new premises is also to contain interpretative and education facilities. LOUGHS AGENCY Activities FUNCTIONS/OBJECTIVES 5.7.8 Three meetings of the 5.7.3 The Loughs Agency was given North/South Ministerial Council responsibility for the functions of in its Foyle, Carlingford and Irish the Foyle Fisheries Commission Lights Commission format were on 2 December 1999. These held in 2001 on 6 April, 22 June functions, “the conservation, and 26 October. At these protection and improvement of meetings, the Council gave the fisheries of the Foyle Area”, direction to the work of the were extended to the Carlingford Loughs Agency. Area. In addition, the Agency is responsible for the promotion of 5.7.9 During the year the Council the development of Lough Foyle brought into effect a number of and Carlingford Lough for pieces of secondary legislation commercial and recreational regulating the work of the purposes in the area of marine Agency in relation to the fishery and aquaculture matters, conservation and protection of the development of marine fish stocks viz: Foyle Area and tourism and the development and Carlingford Area (Tagging and licensing of aquaculture in the Log Book) Regulations 2001; Foyle and Carlingford Areas. Foyle Area and Carlingford Area (Close Season for Angling) 5.7.4 Fundamental to the Agency Regulations 2001; Foyle Area and undertaking this full range of Carlingford Area (Angling) responsibilities is the amendment Regulations 2001; and Foyle Area of the primary legislation under and Carlingford Area (Licensing which the Foyle Fisheries of Fishing Engines) Regulations Commission operated. The 2001. necessary amendments to this legislation - the Foyle Fisheries 5.7.10 In April, the Council approved the Act 1952 and the Foyle Fisheries submission of the Agency’s draft Act (Northern Ireland) 1952 - are Equality Scheme to the Equality in the course of preparation by Commission for final approval. the Department of Marine and Natural Resources and the Department of Agriculture and 34 annual report 2001
5.7.11 In June, the Council gave fisheries legislation required under approval for the Loughs Agency the Agreement on North/South to issue its draft New Targeting Bodies between the UK and Irish Social Need Action Plan for Governments. public consultation and noted the Agency’s proposal to draw up a THE LIGHTS AGENCY Co-ordinated Local Aquaculture Management System (CLAMS). 5.7.17 As mentioned in paragraph 5.7.2, under the relevant provisions, 5.7.12 The Council also authorised the FCILC is to be the General Board of the Foyle, Carlingford Lighthouse Authority for the and Irish Lights Commission to island of Ireland. This function proceed with proposals to currently rests with the establish an Advisory Forum and Commissioners of Irish Lights Focus Groups as part of the (CIL). It was intended that these Body’s consultation functions would be exercised arrangements. through an agency of the FCILC known as the Lights Agency. 5.7.13 In October, the Council approved the Agency’s proposal for the 5.7.18 There are specific provisions in completion of its Interpretive the British-Irish Agreement Act, Centre at its headquarters in 1999 and the North-South Co- Prehen. operation (Implementation Bodies) (Northern Ireland) Order, 5.7.14 The Agency briefed the Council 1999 which acknowledge the on its proposals to engage in a need to put in place special two-year genetic study of the arrangements for the Lights salmon populations of the Foyle Agency in view of the unique Area. This is to be the first ever East-West dimension and examination of interaction legislative and funding between a rod fishery and arrangements existing for CIL. underlying salmon population structure, the Study being 5.7.19 The transfer of the functions of undertaken in association with the Commissioners of Irish Lights the Department of Agriculture to the FCILC, which was and Rural Development, Queens mandated in the British-Irish University Belfast, and the Marine Agreement establishing the FCILC, Institute, Dublin. has not to date proved possible. There are complex issues involved 5.7.15 At its meeting in April the which require amendments to be Council approved a proposal to made, by way of UK legislation, defer a review of the Loughs to the Merchant Shipping Act, Agency’s staffing and structure 1995. until January 2002. The Council also approved a proposal that a 5.7.20 Discussions are ongoing between review of the grading and salary the two Governments and the of certain Loughs Agency field relevant Northern Ireland staff posts would be undertaken Departments to address the as soon as possible. legislative, corporate and financial issues involved. This issue was 5.7.16 The Council also noted the discussed at a meeting of the progress to date and timetable in NSMC in its Institutional Format relation to bringing forward the held on 17 December 2001. 35 AGRICULTURE SECTOR Reform of the Common Agricultural Policy. 5.8.1 The aspects of North/South co- operation in Agriculture that were 5.8.6 The Council noted the progress agreed for initial consideration by made by the Steering Committee the North/South Ministerial on Cross Border Rural Council (NSMC) were Common Development in fulfilling its work Agricultural Policy (CAP) issues, programme as endorsed by the animal and plant health policy NSMC. The Council particularly and research, and rural noted the current state of development. Details in regard to research work commissioned by the Ministers attending the the Steering Committee in meetings of the Council in this relation to (i) co-operation Sector are contained in Annex 3. between cross-border rural communities and (ii) cross-border 5.8.2 The NSMC met twice in the rural development education, Agriculture Sector during 2001. training and research. These meetings took place on 6 April and 4 October. EDUCATION SECTOR
5.8.3 The meeting in April 5.9.1 The aspects of North/South co- concentrated on matters relating operation in Education that were to animal health, and in agreed for initial consideration by particular, the issue of Foot and the North/South Ministerial Mouth Disease. The Council was Council (NSMC) were education very pleased with the success of for children with special needs; the joint efforts North and South educational underachievement; in limiting the spread of the teacher qualifications and school, disease on the island. The youth and teacher exchanges. Council agreed that a Steering Details in regard to the Ministers Group of officials would be attending the meeting of the established to develop a strategy Council this Sector are contained for the control of animal in Annex 3. movements on the island, drawing on work done in both 5.9.2 The Council met once in the jurisdictions. This group would Educational Sector on 28 consider the means of prevention, November 2001. containment and eradication of future epizootic disease outbreaks 5.9.3 A meeting of the Council in the on the island. Education Sector, arranged for 22 June 2001, did not take place, 5.8.4 At its meeting in October, the because no Northern Ireland Council agreed that officials Ministers were nominated to should continue discussions with attend. the Development Agencies and with the Pig Industry to develop 5.9.4 At its meeting on 28 November, appropriate action to improve the the Council reviewed progress on competitive position of the pig each of the key areas for co- sector on the island. operation and underlined the importance of and mutual benefit 5.8.5 The Council has also discussed to be derived from work in these common concerns in relation to areas. the World Trade Organisation, 36 European Union enlargement and annual report 2001
5.9.5 The Council considered the 5.9.10 In the context of co-operation in progress reports from the Joint relation to EU programmes, the Working Groups which were Council noted that bids would be established at a previous meeting invited shortly by the two and agreed the priorities and Education Departments, acting future work programmes of each jointly, for funding for cross- of the Groups. border projects under the EU Peace II Programme. 5.9.6 In relation to Special Education, where the initial focus is on autism and dyslexia, the Council FOOD SAFETY AND HEALTH agreed a number of actions, including the introduction of a SECTORS special education exchange programme for teachers and the HEALTH CO-OPERATION development of complimentary parent and teacher videos/CD- 5.10.1 The Council in sectoral format ROMs and of guidance material. also considers areas for co- operation in Health in addition to 5.9.7 In another key area, Literacy and matters related to the Food Numeracy, the Council approved Safety Promotion Board. The the establishment of priorities identified for health co- arrangements for the exchange of operation are Accident and teaching materials. The Council Emergency Services, Planning for also agreed actions aimed at Major Emergencies, High improving pupil attendance and Technology Equipment, Cancer retention including the Research and Health Promotion. dissemination of good practice and to undertake a targeted pilot 5.10.2 Details in regard to the Ministers project aimed at improving attending the meetings of the parental involvement. Council in these Sectors are contained in Annex 3. 5.9.8 The Council also agreed further work by the Working Groups on 5.10.3 The Council met once in the Teachers Superannuation and Food Safety and Health Sectors in Teacher Qualifications which aim 2001. This meeting took place to contribute to the reduction of on 16 November in Belfast. barriers to North-South mobility in that profession. 5.10.4 A meeting of the Council in the Food Safety and Health Sectors, 5.9.9 In addition, the Council noted arranged for 29 June 2001 did the Scoping Study by the Centre not take place, because no for Cross Border Studies in Northern Ireland Ministers were Armagh on the effectiveness of nominated to attend. school, youth and teacher exchanges and, having regard to 5.10.5 At its meeting on 16 November, the outcomes from a recent the Council received further consultative conference on the reports on progress in report, agreed that suitable implementing the programme of processes and structures should work it had approved at the be established to improve the previous meeting on 4 July 2000 ways in which exchanges are for each of the five areas in the managed and facilitated. Health sector and reviewed the position in relation to each. 37 5.10.6 Under the heading, Accident and 5.10.11 A joint commissioning and Emergency Services, two broad shared costs approach for an areas for co-operation have been evaluation of a Helicopter identified. These are hospital Emergency Medical Service, to services in the border areas and include options for the location(s) specialist services on the wider of such a service, was approved regional basis where delivery on by the Council. an all-island catchment basis is viable. 5.10.12 On the subject of High Technology Equipment, the 5.10.7 A North South Regional Hospital Council endorsed the membership Services Group (NSRHSG) has of and agreed a work programme been established to consider the for a Joint Health Technology opportunities for developing Group which is charged with partnerships covering the wider drawing up protocols for the regional services. The Council assessment and evaluation of requested the NSRHSG to emerging and new technology in consider the report of the Acute this field. Hospitals Review in the North, which suggests that there is 5.10.13 The Council noted the current considerable potential to develop co-operation on Cancer Research. existing cross-border initiatives A Memorandum of for the benefit of patients. Understanding establishing a cancer Consortium between the 5.10.8 The Council noted that National Cancer Institute in the information will be exchanged on USA and the Departments of the respective reviews of renal Health, North and South, has services, North and South. The created a framework within which Council also noted progress on an all-island infrastructure for joint training, staff development joint programmes in clinical and exchange opportunities in cancer research is being radiotherapy services. developed. Other initiatives in cancer research noted by the 5.10.9 In relation to Planning for Major Council include: the Emergencies, the Council noted a establishment of cancer programme of cross-border epidemiology fellowships; emergency planning training development of hospital courses, covering the medical infrastructure to conduct high response to a major incident, and quality cancer clinical trials and the proposals for the the plans to co-ordinate all-island development of integrated clinical trial activity; the communication protocols to development of telesynergy activate hospital and community communications links which will response in a major emergency. be of benefit for consulting on rare and difficult cancers and in 5.10.10 The Council noted and postgraduate training; and, endorsed the proposals for the finally, the proposals to extend a introduction of “First Responder” scholar exchange programme schemes in border areas and the under the aegis of the Cancer development of a Road Traffic Consortium. Accident Response Strategy for Fire Brigades in border areas.
38 annual report 2001
5.10.14 A number of developments in Consultants commissioned by the collaborative work that have working group, reported on the taken place in Health Promotion main issues in relation to current were noted by the Council. water management strategies for Within the year from November the Erne and Foyle catchments 2000, two major joint publicity and made recommendations on campaigns had taken place; one the technical requirements for on folic acid and one on the implementation of the WFD. The benefits of physical activity. The Council endorsed a set of Council also noted that the two principles for the delineation of Health Departments are working International River Basin Districts together to develop a joint (IRBDs) required under the WFD. strategically planned health The Council also endorsed the promotion programme and work undertaken to date by the training resource. working group and the general approach being adopted for the delineation of IRBDs. The Council ENVIRONMENT SECTOR has requested the working group to present recommendations as to 5.11.1 Areas for North/South co- the areas to be delineated. operation that were agreed for consideration by the North/South 5.11.4 The Council agreed that a co- Ministerial Council (NSMC) up to operative approach should be December 2001 included water taken to develop proposals to quality management, waste encourage and support the management in a cross-border expansion of waste recycling. context, research into These proposals include environmental protection, new consideration of a Market technologies for monitoring, Development Programme for the environmental databases, island and an island-wide environmental impacts of Community Recycling Network. agriculture and information The Council approved the exchange and environmental establishment, membership, terms awareness. of reference and work programme of a steering group of officials 5.11.2 The NSMC met on three from the two jurisdictions, to occasions in the Environment consider and develop a structured Sector in 2001. The meetings co-operative approach to a joint took place on 23 February, 15 Market Development Programme. June and 14 December. Details of The steering group will report the Ministers attending the progress to the Council. The meetings of the Council in this Council also noted progress to Sector are contained in Annex 3. date in identifying options to encourage the expansion of waste 5.11.3 A working group on water recycling, including the quality, supported by a technical consideration of proposals for the advisory group, was set up to establishment of an all-island review and update work on the Community Recycling Network Erne and Foyle catchment and a joint North/South initiative management strategies proposed to investigate areas of best in 1997/1998 and to explore the practice within Europe, where issues associated with the future recycling, and markets for implementation of the Water recyclates, have been successfully established. Framework Directive (WFD). 39 5.11.5 In relation to Environmental the establishment of a steering Research, the Environment and group to oversee a joint scoping Heritage Service (EHS) of the study on the environmental Department of the Environment, impacts of agriculture. It is the Northern Ireland and the intention that the study should Environmental Protection Agency examine nutrient management (EPA) are working together on planning in agriculture and the development of a jointly controls on the cross-border funded interactive website of management/movement of current environmental research slurries and spent mushroom projects. The Council agreed the compost. The study will identify commissioning of a jointly strengths and weaknesses in funded contract to develop the current practices and controls website. It is expected that the both North and South and will website will be available early in provide a basis for developing co- 2002. operation in this area. The Council approved the 5.11.6 Work in the area of New arrangements for the recruitment Technologies for Monitoring is and funding of two researchers intended to develop a harmonised who will work under senior and compatible basis for scientific supervision provided by monitoring methodologies and the relevant agriculture agencies classification systems used. EHS in the two jurisdictions. The and the EPA prepared a joint researchers will produce a joint report on New Technologies for report for presentation to the Monitoring, which was published Council. and placed on the relevant agency websites. Three areas of 5.11.9 In the area of Information the aquatic environment were Exchange and Environmental selected for initial co-operation, Awareness Raising, the Council as recommended in the joint agreed that officials of ENFO, the report, namely chemical Environment Information Service monitoring of surface waters, in the South, and EHS, should biological monitoring of surface work together to explore and waters, and fish stocks. develop opportunities for further information exchange and joint 5.11.7 EHS and the EPA are taking environmental forward an environmental education/awareness raising in database development and co- areas of common interest. operation programme. The Council approved the planned TOURISM SECTOR work on a sample cross border area for comparison of land cover 5.12.1 The North/South Ministerial data, and noted the selection of Council (NSMC) met three times the Dundalk/Newry area for this in the Tourism Sector in 2001. purpose. The Council also noted These meetings took place on 30 the progress in testing the March, on 29 June, and on 7 compatibility of the separate EHS November. Details of the and EPA systems for cataloguing Ministers attending the meetings environmental information. of the Council in this Sector are contained in Annex 3. 5.11.8 The Council agreed arrangements, including terms of reference and 40 annual report 2001
5.12.2 The major decisions in this sector main activities for 2001 related to related to the setting up of the the commencement of operations, North/South Tourism Company, the development and launch of Tourism Ireland Ltd. Tourism Phase II of Tourism Brand Ireland Ireland Ltd. is a publicly-owned (TBI) and the planning of limited company which is marketing programmes for 2002. responsible for marketing the island of Ireland overseas as a 5.12.6 On 7 November 2001, the tourist destination. The Company Company launched a was incorporated in December comprehensive marketing 2000 and its board was programme which will be used to appointed in December 2000 by promote the island of Ireland as a the NSMC. tourist destination for the 2002 tourism season. This is the first 5.12.3 The Council agreed that Tourism integrated marketing programme Ireland Ltd. would have an for tourism on the island of important role to play in Ireland. The launch, which took enhancing co-operation between place in Dublin and Belfast was North and South in promoting followed with a series of launches tourism to the island. The in Tourism Ireland’s major Council expressed its overseas markets, namely the determination to work closely USA, Canada, Britain, Germany with Tourism Ireland Ltd. and and France. The Company will with the industry in ensuring that have an annual marketing budget the future for tourism in both of approx. €26.6m/Stg£16.5m to parts of the island is a positive carry out its activities. one and that the potential of the industry is realised to the full. 5.12.7 The marketing programme incorporates both television and 5.12.4 The Council approved the print advertising in a range of appointment of Mr. Paul O’Toole overseas markets and has a 2002 as Chief Executive of Tourism media budget in excess of Ireland Ltd. The Council also €10m/Stg£6m. approved proposals on the staffing structure for the 5.12.8 In addition, the Council, in this Company, which included details format, has discussed the on remuneration, grading, establishment of a number of conditions of service and Joint North/South Training numbers of staff in the new Initiatives in the Tourism and Company. Tourism Ireland’s staff Hospitality industries. The complement will include staff Council received an update on transferred to the company from the support mechanisms and Bord Fáilte Éireann and the training arrangements for the Northern Ireland Tourist Board as Tourism and Hospitality Sector in well as those recruited externally. both parts of the island. This included joint initiatives such as 5.12.5 The Council approved the the International Fund for Ireland Company’s Operating Plan for Tourism Programme which has 2001. The Operating Plan facilitated North/South focuses on the Company’s collaboration between the proposals for getting the training agencies, tourism company up and running in order marketing boards and industry to be able to take responsibility representative associations. for the marketing campaign for 41 the 2002 tourism season. The TRANSPORT SECTOR
5.13.1 The aspects that were agreed for initial consideration by the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) are strategic planning and road and rail safety. While co- operation would primarily arise in respect of road and rail planning, it would take account of issues arising in the port and airport sectors.
5.13.2 As no Northern Ireland Ministers were available, it was not possible to arrange any meetings in this Sector during 2001. However, it was decided at the Institutional Format meeting on 17 December 2001 that officials from both Administrations and the Joint Secretariat would explore the possibility of the next Sectoral meeting on Transport concentrating on road safety issues.
42 CHAPTER 6
THE JOINT SECRETARIAT
43 BACKGROUND 6.1 Strand Two of the Agreement in the post since December 1999. specified that the North/South The two Deputy Joint Secretaries Ministerial Council was to be during 2001 were Helen Browne supported by a standing Joint (South) and Pat Donaghy (North). Secretariat, staffed by members of An organisation chart is included the Northern Ireland Civil Service in Annex 5. and the Irish Government Civil Service. The Southern side of the FUNCTIONS Joint Secretariat operates under the aegis of the Department of 6.3 Under the terms of the Foreign Affairs, while the Memorandum, the functions of Northern Ireland side operates the Joint Secretariat include: under the aegis of the Office of the First Minister and Deputy • arranging the schedule of Council First Minister. meetings in different formats;
• securing prior political/Ministerial STAFFING agreement to agendas for meetings of the Council; 6.2 The Memorandum of Understanding on Procedure • preparing or commissioning agreed by the Council at the papers for meetings of the Inaugural Plenary meeting in Council, including in relation to Armagh on 13 December, 1999 its work programme; set out the arrangements for, and the functions of, the Joint • drafting joint communiqués and Secretariat of the Council. Under records of decisions of the the terms of the Memorandum, it Council; was agreed that the Joint Secretariat would be located in • communicating decisions of the Armagh headed by Joint Council and monitoring their Secretaries, one appointed by implementation; each Administration. Each side was also required to nominate a • drafting an annual report on the deputy Joint Secretary and other proceedings of the Council; administrative and clerical support staff. Officials from both • acting as a channel of sides of the Secretariat work communication with alongside one another in shared Implementation Bodies and office accommodation in Armagh. facilitating their development; Dick Mackenzie served as the Northern Joint Secretary during • liaising, where appropriate 2001, having taken up his post in through the designated September 2000. (Following Dick Department or Office in either Mackenzie’s retirement, he has jurisdiction with the Secretariat of been succeeded as Northern Joint the British-Irish Intergovernmental Secretary by Dr. Peter Smyth). Conference, with the Secretariat Tim O’Connor is the Southern of the British Irish Council and Joint Secretary, and he has been with the North/South joint 44 annual report 2001
parliamentary forum and independent consultative forum when established;
• carrying out such other tasks as the Council may direct. FUNDING
6.4 The costs of meetings of the North/South Ministerial Council are borne by the host administration, with travel and subsistence costs for Ministers and officials being borne by their administrations - see Annex 4.
6.5 Staff costs associated with the Joint Secretariat are met by their parent administrations. All other costs associated with the Joint Secretariat or the Council are divided equally between the two administrations.
45 46 ANNEX 1
ATTENDANCE AT PLENARY MEETING
47 NORTH/SOUTH MINISTERIAL COUNCIL MEETING IN PLENARY FORMAT
Friday 30 November 2001, Dublin Castle
List of Northern Ireland Ministers List of Southern Ministers
Rt Hon David Trimble MP MLA (First Bertie Ahern TD (Taoiseach) Minister) Mary Harney TD (Tánaiste and Minister Mark Durkan MLA (Deputy First for Enterprise, Trade and Employment) Minister and Minister of Finance and Personnel) Michael Woods TD (Minister for Education and Science) Bairbre de Brún MLA (Minister of Health, Social Services & Public Safety) Mary O’Rourke TD (Minister for Public Enterprise) Sir Reg Empey MLA (Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment) Brian Cowen TD (Minister for Foreign Affairs) Seán Farren MLA (Minister of Employment and Learning) Noel Dempsey TD (Minister for the Environment and Local Government) Sam Foster MLA (Minister of Environment) Dermot Ahern TD (Minister for Social, Community & Family Affairs) Michael McGimpsey MLA (Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure) Síle De Valera TD (Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands) Martin McGuinness MP MLA (Minister of Education) John O’Donoghue TD (Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform) Bríd Rodgers MLA (Minister of Agriculture & Rural Development) James McDaid TD (Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation)
Micheál Martin TD (Minister for Health and Children)
Liz O’Donnell TD (Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs)
Mary Coughlan TD (Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands)
48 ANNEX 2
ATTENDANCE AT INSTITUTIONAL MEETING
49 NORTH/SOUTH MINISTERIAL COUNCIL MEETING IN INSTITUTIONAL FORMAT
Monday 17 December 2001 - Inaugural Institutional Format Meeting, Parliament Buildings, Belfast
Northern Ireland Ministers Southern Minister
Rt Hon David Trimble MP MLA (First Brian Cowen TD (Minister for Foreign Minister) Affairs)
Mark Durkan MLA (Deputy First Minister)
50 ANNEX 3
ATTENDANCE AT SECTORAL MEETINGS
51
, e air) ernment Chair) v lands s ster for ster for ste & ster for Arts ade ster for th r ces (Ch nai eation ( á se, T i , TD, Mini , TD, T a, TD, Mini al Resour , TD, Mini aler ahey yment (Chair) 1 onment and Local Go Irish Government m, Sport and Recr ank F le de V s í 200 ster for Enterpr ouri T Marine & Natur (Chair) Mr Noel Dempsey Ms Mary Harney Mr Fr Ms S Dr James McDaid, TD, Mini Mini Heritage Gaeltacht and the I the Envir and Emplo ster f yment ster in ster of ster of ORAL MEETINGS aining and ster of Higher ster ster of ster o ster of r elopment estment estment ni MLA, Mini e , y Administration Mini sur al Dev , MLA, Mini MLA, Mini , s sonnel r , MLA, Mi , MLA, Mini , MLA, Mini , MLA, e aining and Emplo ade and Inv ade and Inv r r r en, MLA, en, MLA, Mini e and Rur arr arr oster oster e Arts & Lei s Haughey onment (Chair) se, T se, T d Rodger í n F n F yment á á onment ster of Higher and Further s Br and Further Education, T Mr Michael McGimpse Mr Sam F Sir Reg Empey Sir Reg Empey of Cultur Mr Deni OFMDFM Mr Enterpri Mini Education, T Agricultur Mr Mark Durkan, MLA, Mini Finance and P Emplo Enterpri Dr Se Dr Se Mr Sam F Envir of Envir Northern Ireland e enue le, V s ermanagh Scarriff, Co Clar Belle I Dundalk Letterkenny Dublin Co F NORTH SOUTH MINISTERIAL COUNCIL SECT T siness ANCE A s Sector m TTEND s onment A elopment ade and Bu ouri r Waterway T T Envir FCILC Dev ch ebruary ebruary Date Monday 29 January Friday 16 F Friday 6 April Friday 30 Mar Friday 23 F 52 annual report 2001 lopment s ster ster e ce onment and ster of State ster for al Dev ster for , TD, Mini , TD, Mini al Resour eevy eevy , TD, Mini ood & Rur h, TD, Mini s ahey e, F ernment (Chair) v Irish Government ank F the Marine & Natur Agricultur for Finance (Chair) for Finance (Chair) Mr Charlie McCr Mr Charlie McCr Mr Dan Wallace, TD, Mini Mr Fr Mr Joe Wal (Chair) at the Department of Envir Local Go ster in ster in ster of ster of ster of ster of ster ster of ster of ster of elopment elopment ni Mini , Mini Administration al Dev al Dev sonnel r MLA, Mini MLA, Mini e , , s s sonnel sonnel r r bitt, MLA, Mini bitt, MLA, Mini , MLA, Mi , MLA, Mini , MLA, Mini e e e and Rur e and Rur oster oster oster d Rodger d Rodger í í onment onment onment s Br s Br Mr Mark Durkan, MLA Mr Sam F Mr Mark Durkan, MLA, Mr Agricultur Mr Finance and P Mr Dermot Nes OFMDFM Envir (Chair) Mr Sam F of Finance and P Mr Mark Durkan, MLA, Mini Finance and P Mr Dermot Nes OFMDFM Envir Agricultur Mr Sam F Envir Northern Ireland enue V omad, Co Louth Dublin Dublin Dr Derry/Londonderry Dublin ammes ammes ogr ogr e Sector onment Special EU Pr FCILC Envir Special EU Pr Agricultur Date Friday 22 June Wednesday 20 June Friday 15 June Friday 6 April Monday 9 April 53 , e r) lands s ster for ste & ster for Arts ade and ster for th r ces (Chai nai tion al ster for á ea se, T , TD, T a, TD, Mini al Resour , TD, Mini ood & Rur Enterpri aler h, TD, Mini s 1 ahey e, F Irish Government , Sport & Recr yment 200 m ank F le de V s í ster for elopment (Chair) r James McDaid, TD, Mini ouri Agricultur Marine & Natur D Ms Mary Harney Dev Mr Fr Mr Joe Wal Ms S Mini Emplo T Heritage, Gaeltacht and the I ster aining r ster in ster in Mini ster of ster of ORAL MEETINGS ster of ster of Higher ster of ster of ster of aining & r estment (Chair) e (Chair) elopment elopment , MLA, estment (Chair) Mini Administration sur MLA, Mini MLA, Mini al Dev al Dev , , s s bitt, MLA, Mini bitt, MLA, Mini , MLA, , MLA, Mini ade & Inv ade and Inv r r en, MLA, Mini en, MLA, Mini en, MLA, Mini e & Rur e & Rur arr arr arr e Arts & Lei yment se, T se, T d Rodger d Rodger í í n F n F n F yment & Learning yment á á á s Br s Br Sir Reg Empey Mr Michael McGimpsey Sir Reg Empey Enterpri Mr Dermot Nes Agricultur OFMDFM Enterpri Emplo Agricultur Mr Dermot Nes OFMDFM and Further Education, T Emplo Dr Se Higher & Further Education, T & Emplo Dr Se Dr Se of Cultur Mr Mr Northern Ireland enue an V killen aine s omad, Co Louth r Newry Enni Coler Bundor D NORTH SOUTH MINISTERIAL COUNCIL SECT T ANCE A siness e s Sector TTEND m A s elopment ade and Bu r ouri Waterway T T Dev Agricultur FCILC Date sday 4 October Friday 26 October Thur Friday 29 June Friday 28 September 54 Wednesday 27 June annual report 2001 , ster lands ster of s ster for ster for ster for ster of State ation (Chair) e , TD, Mini , TD, Mini eevy en l Martin, TD, Mini á Irish Government s McDaid, TD, Mini , Sport & Recr m en s om Moffatt, TD, Mini ouri Dr Jame (Chair) for Finance (Chair) Health & Childr Dr Michael Woods Mr Charlie McCr at Department of Health and Ms Mary Coughlan, TD, Mini Mr Miche Dr T Heritage, Gaeltacht and the I Childr Education & Science (Chair) State at the Department of Arts T ster ster i ster of ster in ster in ster in ster of ster of ster of yment ster of e , MLA, Mini , MLA, Min sur Administration ey A, Mini n, MLA, Mini ú bitt, MLA, Mini bitt, MLA, Mini bitt, MLA, Mini , MLA, Mini sonnel r ade & Emplo r en, MLA, Mini en, MLA, Mini e arr arr e De Br e, Arts & Lei se, T n F n F yment & Learning yment & Learning á á Mr Mark Durkan, ML Ms Bairbr Mr Michael McGimps Mr Martin McGuinness Sir Reg Empey Finance & P Mr Dermot Nes OFMDFM of Education Mr Dermot Nes OFMDFM of Cultur Emplo Dr Se Mr Dermot Nes OFMDFM (Chair) Dr Se Emplo Health, Social Services & Public Safety Enterpri Northern Ireland enue V Dublin Dublin Belfast Carrick-on-Shannon Dublin ammes ogr s ood Safety Sector m s ouri Special EU Pr Waterway T Education Health/F ember ember ember v v v Date ember v uesday 30 October T Wednesday Friday 28 No Friday 23 No 7 No Friday 16 No 55 , ts lands ster of s ernment ster for the v , TD, Mini 1 Irish Government 200 onment and Local Go Ms Mary Coughlan, TD, Mini Mr Noel Dempsey Envir Heritage, Gaeltacht and the I State at the Department of Ar ster ini ster of of ster of ORAL MEETINGS ster e (Chair) elopment , MLA, M sur Administration n, MLA, Mini MLA, Mini al Dev , ú s , MLA, Mini e & Rur oster e de Br e, Arts & Lei d Rodger í onment (Chair) s Br Mr Sam F Mr Michael McGimpsey of Cultur Ms Bairbr Health, Social Services & Public Safety Envir Mr Agricultur Northern Ireland enue V Antrim Newcastle NORTH SOUTH MINISTERIAL COUNCIL SECT T ANCE A Sector TTEND onment A Envir Language Date Friday 7 December 56 Friday 14 December ANNEX 4
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
57 FINANCIAL INFORMATION 1 JANUARY 2001 - 31 DECEMBER 2001
Payments and Budget (North & South) Total payments for the financial period 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2001 amounted to IR£2,566,320/Stg£2,025,365/€3,258,420 and a breakdown of the main expenditure areas is set out below.
NSMC Expenditure - 1 January 2001 - 31 December 2001
Item IR£ Stg£ Euro
Salaries 1,181,200 931,850 1,499,770
Administration 456,770 361,135 580,000
NSMC Meetings 196,960 155,380 250,000
Consultancy 150,840 119,000 191,520
Capital Expenditure 580,550 458,000 737,130
TOTAL IR£2,566,320 Stg£2,025,365 €3,258,420
58 ANNEX 5
JOINT SECRETARIAT ORGANISATION CHART
59 NSMC JOINT SECRETARIAT ORGANISATION
NORTH SOUTH
JOINT SECRETARIES
DEPUTY JOINT SECRETARIES
SECTORAL MANAGERS
SECTORAL OFFICERS
SECTORAL SUPPORT AND ADMINISTRATION
60 ANNEX 6
NORTH/SOUTH BODIES CONTACT DETAILS
61 NORTH/SOUTH BODIES CONTACT DETAILS WATERWAYS IRELAND INTERTRADEIRELAND - The Trade and Business Headquarters: 20 Darling Street Development Body Enniskillen Co. Fermanagh InterTradeIreland BT74 7EW The Old Gasworks Business Park Kilmorey Street Tel: (028) 6632 3004 Newry Fax: (028) 6634 6237 Co. Down BT34 2DE Email: [email protected] Tel: (028) 3083 4100 Northern Region: Fax: (028) 3083 4155 Main Street E-mail: [email protected] Carrick on Shannon Website: www.intertradeireland.com Co. Leitrim Tel/Fax: (078) 50898
Western Region: SPECIAL EU PROGRAMMES Market Square BODY Scarriff Co. Clare Tel: (061) 922033 EU House Fax: (061) 922036 6 Cromac Place Belfast BT7 2JB Eastern Region: Floor 2, Block C, Ashtown Gate, Tel: (028) 9026 6660 Navan Road, Dublin 15 Fax: (028) 9026 6661 Tel: (01) 8680148 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (01) 8383647 Website: www.eugrants.org E-mail: [email protected] European Union House 11 Kevlin Road Omagh FOOD SAFETY PROMOTION Co. Tyrone BOARD BT78 1LB
7 Eastgate Avenue Tel: (028) 822 55750 Eastgate Fax: (028) 822 48427 Little Island E-mail: [email protected] Cork Tel: (021) 230 4100 European Union House Fax: (021) 230 4111 Castle Meadow Court E-mail: [email protected] Dublin Road Website: www.safefoodonline.com Monaghan
Abbey Court Tel: (047) 77003 Lower Abbey Street Fax: (047) 71258 Dublin 1 E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (01) 817 1317 Fax: (01) 878 3710 62 annual report 2001
THE NORTH/SOUTH TOURISM IRELAND LTD LANGUAGE BODY Tourism Ireland Ltd FORAS NA GAEILGE C/o Executive Suites Foras na Gaeilge Harcourt Centre 7 Cearnóg Mhuirfean Block 3 Baile Átha Cliath 2 Harcourt Road Dublin 2 Tel: (01) 639 8400 Fax: (01) 639 8401 Tel: (01) 418 2208/(01) 418 2224 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (01) 418 2248 Website: www.forasnagaeilge.ie E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.tourismireland.com THA BOORD O ULSTER-SCOTCH Tha Boord o Ulster-Scotch Franklin House 10-12 Brunswick Street Belfast BT2 7GE
Tel: (028) 9023 1113 Fax: (028) 9023 1898 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ulsterscotsagency.com
FOYLE, CARLINGFORD AND IRISH LIGHTS COMMISSION
Loughs Agency: 22 Victoria Road Derry/Londonderry BT47 2AB
Tel: (028) 7134 2100 Fax: (028) 7134 2720 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.loughs-agency.org
Teach Eolais, Old Quay Lane Carlingford Co. Louth
Tel: (042) 9383888 Fax: (042) 9393888 E-mail: carlingford@loughs- agency.org
63 64 ANNEX 7
NORTH/SOUTH BODIES BOARD MEMBERS
65 FOOD AND SAFETY PROMOTION BOARD ADVISORY BOARD
Mr Don Anderson Councillor Bertie Kerr (Chairperson)
Mr Leslie Craig Mr Damien O’Dwyer
Ms Carmel Foley Dr Danny O’Hare
Mr Ronan Garvey Ms Anne Speed
Professor Mike Gibney Professor Seán Strain (Vice Chairperson)
Professor Cecily Kelleher Mr Michael John Walker
THE TRADE AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BODY BOARD MEMBERS
The Duke of Abercorn Mr Carl McCann
Ms Mary Ainscough Mr Feargal McCormack
Ms Mary Breslin Dr Inez McCormack
Dr Harold Ennis Mr Kieran McGowan (Vice Chairperson)
Mr Barry Fitzsimons Dr Martin Naughton (Chairperson)
Ms Jackie Harrison Mr Robbie Smyth
66 annual report 2001
NORTH/SOUTH LANGUAGE BODY FORAS NA GAEILGE BOARD MEMBERS
Mrs Maighréad Uí Mháirtín Ms Jacqueline Ní Fhearghasa (Chairperson of Foras na Gaeilge Joint Chairperson of An Foras Teanga) Ms. Bríd Uí Néill
Mr Liam Corey Mr Maolsheachlain Ó Caollaí
Ms Anne Craig Mr Leachlain Ó Catháin
Mr Gordon McCoy Mr Liam Ó Cuinneagáin
Mr Patrick McGlone Mr Pádraig Ó Duibhir
Mr Aodán Mac Póilín Mr Gearóid Ó hEara
Mr Gearóid Mac Siacais Mr Séamus Ó Tonnaigh (deceased) Ms Treasa Ní Ailpín
THA BOORD o ULSTÈR-SCOTCH BOARD MEMBERS
Lord Laird of Artigarvan Mr John Erskine (Chairperson of Tha Boord o Ulstèr-Scotch/ Joint Chairperson of Dr Linde Lunney North/South Language Body) Mr John McIntyre Mr Pat Wall Dr Philip Robinson Mr James Devenney Mr Eamon O’Domhnaill
THE FOYLE, CARLINGFORD AND IRISH LIGHTS COMMISSION BOARD MEMBERS
Mr Jack Allen Ms Siobhan Logue
Mr Keith Anderson Mr Joseph Martin
Mr Dick Blakiston-Houston Mr Arthur Morgan
Lord Cooke of Islandreagh Mr Peter Savage (Vice Chairperson) (Chairperson)
Mr Francis Feely Mr Andrew Ward
Dr Patrick J Griffin
67 TOURISM IRELAND LIMITED BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mr Andrew Coppel Mr Tony Kelly (Chairperson) Mr Noel McGinley Ms Ann Riordan (Vice-Chairperson) Mr Felix Mooney
Mr Roy Bailie Mr Niall Reddy
Mr Alan Clarke Mr John Power
Mr Dennis Galway Mr Charles Sinnott
Mr Howard Hastings
68 ANNEX 8
DEPARTMENTAL INFORMATION
69 DEPARTMENTAL INFORMATION
CENTRAL DEPARTMENTS Department of Community, Rural Office of the First Minister and and Gaeltacht Affairs Deputy First Minister Dún Aimhirgin, Parliament Buildings, 43-49 Mespil Road, Stormont Estate Dublin 4 Belfast BT4 3XX Tel: (01) 647 3000 Fax: (01) 647 3051 Tel: (028) 9052 1639 E-Mail: [email protected] Fax: (028) 9052 1283 Website: www.pobail.ie Website: www.northernireland.gov.uk HEALTH AND FOOD SAFETY SECTORS Northern Ireland Division Department of the Taoiseach Department of Health, Social Services Government Buildings and Public Safety Upper Merrion Street Castle Buildings Dublin 2 Stormont Belfast Tel: (01) 662 4888 BT4 3SJ Fax: (01) 662 1972 Website: www.taoiseach.gov.ie Tel: (028) 9052 0500 Fax: (028) 9052 3136 North/South Section E-Mail: [email protected] Anglo/Irish Division Website: www.dhsspsni.gov.uk Department of Foreign Affairs* 80 St Stephen’s Green Dublin 2 Department of Health and Children Hawkins House Tel: (01) 478 0822 Poolbeg Street Fax: (01) 478 5949 Dublin 2 Website: www.gov.ie/iveagh Tel: (01) 635 4000 Fax: (01) 635 4001 * Co-ordinating role on Southern side E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.doh.ie INLAND WATERWAYS SECTOR Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure 3rd Floor Interpoint 20-24 York Street Belfast BT15 1AQ
Tel: (028) 9025 8825 Fax: (028) 9025 8906 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.dcalni.gov.uk
70 annual report 2001
TRADE AND BUSINESS SPECIAL EU PROGRAMMES DEVELOPMENT SECTOR SECTOR
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Department of Finance and Personnel Investment Rathgael House Netherleigh Balloo Road Massey Avenue Bangor Belfast Co. Down BT4 2JP BT19 7NA
Tel: (028) 9052 9900 Tel: (028) 9127 9279 Fax: (028) 9052 9273 Fax: (028) 9185 8109 E-Mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.detini.gov.uk Website: www.dfpni.gov.uk
Department for Employment and Department of Finance Learning Government Buildings Adelaide House Upper Merrion Street 39-49 Adelaide Street Dublin 2 Belfast BT2 8FD Tel: (01) 676 7571 Fax: (01) 678 9936 Tel: (028) 9025 7777 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: (028) 9025 7778 Website: www.gov.ie/finance E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.delni.gov.uk LANGUAGE SECTOR
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure Employment 3rd Floor Interpoint Kildare Street 20-24 York Street Dublin 2 Belfast BT15 1AQ Tel: (01) 631 2121 Fax: (01) 631 2827 Tel: (028) 9025 8825 E-Mail: [email protected] Fax: (028) 9025 8906 Website: www.entemp.ie E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.dcalni.gov.uk
An Roinn Gnóthaí, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta Dún Aimhirgin 43-49 Bóthar Mespil Baile Átha Cliath 4
Tel: (01) 647 3000 Fax: (01) 647 3051 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.pobail.ie
71 FOYLE, CARLINGFORD AND Department of the Environment and Local Government IRISH LIGHTS COMMISSION Custom House SECTOR Dublin 1
Department of Agriculture and Rural Tel: (01) 888 2000 Development Fax: (01) 888 2888 Dundonald House E.mail: [email protected] Upper Newtownards Road Website: www.environ.ie Belfast BT4 3SB Department of Transport 44 Kildare Street Tel: (028) 9052 4999 Dublin 2 Fax: (028) 9052 5003 E-Mail: [email protected] Tel: (01) 670 7444 Website: www.dardni.gov.uk Fax: (01) 670 9633 E-Mail:[email protected] Website: www.gov.ie/tec Department of Communications Marine and Natural Resources AGRICULTURE SECTOR Leeson Lane Dublin 2 Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Tel: (01) 619 9200 Dundonald House Fax: (01) 661 8214 Upper Newtownards Road E-Mail: [email protected] Belfast Website: www.marine.gov.ie BT4 3SB
Tel: (028) 9052 4999 TRANSPORT SECTOR Fax: (028) 9052 5003 E-Mail: [email protected] Department of the Environment Website: www.dardni.gov.uk Clarence Court 10 - 18 Adelaide Street Department of Agriculture and Food Belfast Agriculture House BT2 8GB Kildare Street Dublin 2 Tel: (028) 9054 0540 Fax: (028) 9054 1169 Tel: (01) 607 2000 E.mail: [email protected] Fax: (01) 661 6263/607 2079 Website: www.doeni.gov.uk E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.irlgov.ie/daff Department for Regional Development Clarence Court Department of Community, Rural and 10-18 Adelaide Street Gaeltacht Affairs Belfast Dún Aimhirgin BT2 8GB 43 - 49 Mespil Road Dublin 4 Tel: (028) 9054 0540 Fax: (028) 9052 0064 Tel: (01) 647 3000 E-Mail: [email protected] Fax: (01) 647 3051 Website:www.drdni.gov.uk E-Mail: [email protected] 72 Website: www.pobail.ie annual report 2001
EDUCATION SECTOR TOURISM SECTOR
Department of Education Department of Enterprise, Trade and Rathgael House Investment Balloo Road Netherleigh Bangor Massey Avenue BT19 7PR Belfast BT4 2JP Tel: (028) 9127 9279 Fax: (028) 9127 9100 Tel: (028) 9052 9900 E-Mail: [email protected] Fax: (028) 9052 9550 Website: www.deni.gov.uk E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.detini.gov.uk Department of Education and Science Marlborough Street Dublin 1 Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism Kildare Street Tel: (01) 873 4700 Dublin 2 Fax: (01) 872 9093 E-Mail: [email protected] Tel: (01) 631 3800 Website: www.education.ie Fax: (01) 661 1201 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.gov.ie/arts-sport-tourism ENVIRONMENT SECTOR Department of the Environment Clarence Court 10-18 Adelaide Street Belfast BT2 8GB
Tel: (028) 9054 0540 Fax: (028) 9054 1169 E.mail: [email protected] Website: www.doeni.gov.uk
Department of the Environment and Local Government Custom House Dublin 1
Tel: (01) 888 2000 Fax: (01) 888 2888 E.mail: [email protected] Website: www.environ.ie
73 74 annual report 2001
75 North/South Ministerial Council Joint Secretariat 39 Abbey Street Armagh BT61 7EB
Tel: North 028 3751 8068 South 048 3751 1470
Fax: North 028 3751 1406 South 048 3751 1874
E-mail: North [email protected] South [email protected]
Website: www.northsouthministerialcouncil.org 76