TITHE AN OIREACHTAIS

AN COMHCHOISTE UM FHORFHEIDHMIÚ CHOMHAONTÚ AOINE AN CHÉASTA

TUARASCÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2015

______

HOUSES OF THE

JOINT COMMITTEE ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE

GOOD FRIDAY AGREEMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2015

PR Number: Committee unique identifier no.

Table of Contents

1 Content and Format of Report 2. Establishment and Functions 3. Meetings, Attendance and Recording 4. Number and Duration of Meetings 5. Witnesses attending before the Committee 6. Committee Reports Published 7. Travel 8. Report on Functions and Powers

APPENDIX 1 Orders of Reference APPENDIX 2: List of Members APPENDIX 3: Meetings of the Joint Committee APPENDIX 4: Minutes of Proceedings of the Joint Committee

1. Content and Format of Report

This report has been prepared pursuant to Standing Order 86 (3), (4), (5) and (6) (Dáil Éireann) and Standing Order 75 (3), (4), (5) and (6) (Seanad Éireann) which provide for the Joint Committee to-

 undertake a review of its procedure and its role generally;  prepare an annual work programme;  lay minutes of its proceedings before both Houses;  make an annual report to both Houses.

At its meeting on the 21 January 2016, the Joint Committee agreed that all these items should be included in this report covering the period from 1st January 2015 to 31st December 2015.

2. Establishment of Joint Committee.

The Dáil Select Committee, established by Order of Dáil Éireann on the 8 June 2011 was enjoined with a Select Committee of Seanad Éireann, established by Order of Seanad Éireann on the 16 June 2011, to form the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.

Northern Ireland MPs are also Members and can attend and participate at meetings but do not have voting rights.

The Orders of Reference of the Dáil Select Committee and the Joint Committee are set out at Appendix 1.

3. Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Membership

Deputy was elected as Chairman of the Joint Committee on the 22 July 2014. Deputy Joe O’Reilly was elected as Vice-Chairman of the Joint Committee on 30 June 2011.

Membership of the Committees, including all internal changes within the reported period, is listed at Appendix 2.

4. Meetings, Attendance and Recording

Meetings of the Joint Committee took place in the Committee rooms in Leinster House 2000. Meetings were in public unless otherwise ordered by the Committee.

Televised coverage of public meetings of the Committee was broadcast live within the Leinster House complex and was available for subsequent public broadcasting by RTE and TV3. It was also webcast making it available worldwide on the internet. Since the pilot launch of the Oireachtas TV channel in November 2011, the proceedings of committees in public session, typically recorded but occasionally live, are now broadcast on UPC channel 801.

An Official Report (Parliamentary Debates) of the public meetings of the Committee may be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas website at www.oireachtas.ie.

Copies of other reports published by the Joint Committee are also available on the Oireachtas Committee website pages at www.oireachtas.ie. A list of these reports is set out at paragraph 7.

5. Number and Duration of Meetings

The Joint Committee met on 11 occasions during the period under report. The number of hours of discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 23 hours.

The subject matter of each meeting of the Joint Committee, including the groups, organisations or individuals who attended the meetings, is detailed in Appendix 3. The Minutes of Proceedings of the Joint Committee in public session are attached at Appendix 4.

6. Witnesses attending before the Committee(s)

During the period, the number of speaking witnesses for the Committee was as follows:

COMMITTEE NAME NUMBER OF WITNESSES Joint Committee on the 53 Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement

7. Committee Reports Published

During the period under report, the Joint Committee published the following reports:

 2015 Work Programme for the Committee  Report on Outreach Visit to Armagh, 18 June 2015

8. Travel.

The Joint Committee undertook the following travel in accordance with its Orders of Reference in connection with its Work Programme

1. Purpose of travel: opening Address by Chairman at a Cross Border Conference on Education and the Law Date and Destination: 30 May 2015, Sligo Members travelling: Frank Feighan TD (Chairman).

2. Purpose of travel: Launch of Buddy Up Initiative at Stormont and meeting with Community Relations Council (CRC) and Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE) Date and Destination: 4 June 2015, Belfast Members travelling: Frank Feighan TD (Chairman) Accompanying Official: Tara Kelly (Clerk).

3. Purpose of travel: Outreach visit to Middletown Centre for Autism, Cardinal Ó Fiaich Library and North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) Offices Date and Destination: 18 June 2015, Armagh Members travelling: Frank Feighan TD (Chairman), Seán Conlan TD, Martin Ferris TD, Maureen O’Sullivan TD and Senator Jim D’Arcy. Accompanying Officials: Tara Kelly (Clerk), Tony McCreevy (Committee Secretariat)

4. Purpose of travel: Outreach visit to Integrated Education Schools Date and Destination: 3 December 2015, Belfast Members travelling: Frank Feighan TD (Chairman)

Accompanying Officials: Tara Kelly (Clerk), Jessica O’Connor (Committee Secretariat)

9. Report on Functions and Powers

The Joint Committee is currently satisfied with its present procedures and role.

______Frank Feighan T.D. Chairman 18 January 2016

APPENDIX 1: Orders of Reference

Dáil Motion: 8 June 2011

“(1 Go gceapfar Roghchoiste, ar a (1) That a Select Committee mbeidh cúig chomhalta dhéag de consisting of fifteen members of Dháil Éireann, a bheidh le Dáil Éireann be appointed to be comhcheangal le Roghchoiste joined with a Select Committee atá le ceapadh ag Seanad to be appointed by Seanad Éireann, chun bheith ina Éireann to form the Joint Chomhchoiste um Fhorfheidhmiú Committee on the Chomhaontú Aoine an Chéasta Implementation of the Good chun breithniú a dhéanamh ar Friday Agreement to consider— an méid seo a leanas— (a) saincheisteanna a éiríonn as (a) issues arising from Ireland’s ról na hÉireann mar role as a signatory to the shínitheoir le Comhaontú Good Friday Agreement, Aoine an Chéasta, (b) forbairtí leanúnacha i dtaca (b) ongoing developments in the le forfheidhmiú Chomhaontú implementation of the Good Aoine an Chéasta, agus Friday Agreement, and (c) aon tograí a bhaineann le (c) any proposals relating to the forfheidhmiú Chomhaontú implementation of the Good Aoine an Chéasta agus nithe Friday Agreement and such gaolmhara a tharchuirfidh an related matters as shall be Dáil agus/nó an Seanad referred to it by the Dáil chuige ó am go ham, and/or the Seanad from time to time, agus chun tuarascáil a thabhairt and to report back to both do dhá Theach an Oireachtais Houses of the Oireachtas at least uair sa bhliain ar a laghad. once a year. (2) Beidh ag an gComhchoiste na (2) The Joint Committee shall have cumhachtaí a mhínítear i the powers defined in Standing mBuan-Ordú 83, seachas mír Order 83, other than paragraph (2A), (4A), (4B) agus (6A) den (2A), (4A), (4B) and (6A) chéanna. thereof. (3) Beidh an tAire Gnóthaí (3) The Minister for Foreign Affairs Eachtracha agus Trádála (nó and Trade (or a member of the comhalta den Rialtas nó Aire Government or Minister of State Stáit a bheidh ainmnithe ina áit nominated in his or her stead) nó ina háit) ina chomhalta nó ina shall be an ex officio member of comhalta ex-officio den Choiste the Committee and shall be agus beidh sé nó sí i dteideal entitled to vote in proceedings. vótáil in imeachtaí. (4) Féadfaidh Feisirí de chuid (4) Members of the Westminster Pharlaimint Westminster arna Parliament elected from dtoghadh ó thoghcheantair i constituencies in Northern dTuaisceart Éireann freastal ar Ireland may attend meetings of

chruinnithe den Chomhchoiste the Joint Committee and of its agus dá fho-Choistí agus sub-Committees and may take féadfaidh siad páirt a ghlacadh in part in proceedings without imeachtaí gan ceart vótála a having a right to vote or to move bheith acu ná ceart tairiscintí a motions and amendments. dhéanamh ná leasuithe a thairiscint. (5) Beidh an (5) The Chairman of the Joint Chomhchoiste ina chomhalta nó Committee shall be a member of ina comhalta de Dháil Éireann. Dáil Éireann.”

Seanad Motion 16 June, 2011

“(1) Go gceapfar Roghchoiste, ar a (1) That a Select Committee mbeidh 5 chomhalta de Sheanad consisting of 5 members of Éireann, a bheidh le Seanad Éireann be appointed to comhcheangal le Roghchoiste atá be joined with a Select le ceapadh ag Dáil Éireann, chun Committee to be appointed by bheith ina Chomhchoiste um Dáil Éireann to form the Joint Fhorfheidhmiú Chomhaontú Committee on the Aoine an Chéasta chun breithniú Implementation of the Good a dhéanamh ar an méid seo a Friday Agreement to consider— leanas— (a) saincheisteanna a éiríonn as (a) issues arising from ról na hÉireann mar Ireland’s role as a shínitheoir le Comhaontú signatory to the Good Aoine an Chéasta, Friday Agreement, (b) forbairtí leanúnacha i dtaca (b) ongoing developments in le forfheidhmiú Chomhaontú the implementation of the Aoine an Chéasta, agus Good Friday Agreement, and (c) aon tograí a bhaineann le (c) any proposals relating to forfheidhmiú Chomhaontú the implementation of the Aoine an Chéasta agus nithe Good Friday Agreement gaolmhara a tharchuirfidh an and such related matters Dáil agus/nó an Seanad as shall be referred to it by chuige ó am go ham, the Dáil and/or the Seanad from time to time, agus chun tuarascáil a thabhairt and to report back to both do dhá Theach an Oireachtais Houses of the Oireachtas at uair sa bhliain ar a laghad. least once a year.

(2) Beidh ag an gComhchoiste na (2) The Joint Committee shall have cumhachtaí a mhínítear i mBuan- the powers defined in Standing Ordú 71, seachas mír (2A), (4A), Order 71, other than paragraph (4B) agus (6A) den chéanna. (2A), (4A), (4B) and (6A) thereof.

(3) Beidh an tAire Gnóthaí (3) The Minister for Foreign Affairs Eachtracha agus Trádála (nó and Trade (or a member of the comhalta den Rialtas nó Aire Government or Minister of Stáit a bheidh ainmnithe ina áit State nominated in his or her nó ina háit) ina chomhalta nó ina stead) shall be an ex officio comhalta ex-officio den Choiste member of the Committee and agus beidh sé nó sí i dteideal shall be entitled to vote in vótáil in imeachtaí. proceedings. (4) Féadfaidh Feisirí de chuid (4) Members of the Westminster Pharlaimint Westminster arna Parliament elected from dtoghadh ó thoghlaigh i constituencies in Northern dTuaisceart Éireann freastal ar Ireland may attend meetings of chruinnithe den Chomhchoiste the Joint Committee and of its agus dá Fhochoistí agus sub-Committees and may take féadfaidh siad páirt a ghlacadh in part in proceedings without imeachtaí gan ceart vótála a having a right to vote or to bheith acu ná ceart tairiscintí a move motions and dhéanamh ná leasuithe a amendments. thairiscint. (5) Beidh Cathaoirleach an (5) The Chairman of the Joint Chomhchoiste ina chomhalta nó Committee shall be a member ina comhalta de Dháil Éireann. of Dáil Éireann.”

APPENDIX 2: Membership

List of Members (Joint Committee)

Chairman: Frank Feighan (FG)

Deputies: Seán Conlan (FG) Seán Crowe (SF) (FG) Frank Feighan (FG) (Chair) Martin Ferris (SF) (FG) Michael P. Kitt (FF) Dinny McGinley(FG) Joe O’Reilly (FG) (Vice-chair) Maureen O’Sullivan (Ind) Thomas Pringle (Ind) Ruairí Quinn (Lab) Brendan Smith (FF) (Lab) Jack Wall (Lab)

Senators: Jim D’Arcy (FG) (FG) Mary Moran (Lab) Mary White (FF)

Notes: 1. Deputies appointed to the Committee by order of the Dáil on 9 June 2011 2. Senators appointed to the Committee by order of the Seanad on 16 June 2011 3. Deputy Dominic Hannigan elected as Chairman on 30 June 2011 4. Deputy Joe O’Reilly elected as Vice Chairman on 30 June 2011 5. Deputy Joanna Tuffy elected as Chairman on 2 February 2012 6. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick appointed on 12 June 2012 (in substitution for Deputy ) 7. Deputy Joe McHugh elected as Chairman on 21 June 2012 8. Deputy Jack Wall appointed on 11 July 2012 (in substitution for Deputy Dominic Hannigan)

9. Senator Martin McAleese ceased to be a member of the Committee upon his resignation from the Seanad on 5 February 2013. 10. Deputy Luke Ming Flanagan ceased to be a member upon his appointment to the European Parliament on 23 May 2014 11. Deputy Thomas Pringle appointed on 26 June 2014 (arising from the vacancy caused on the election of Deputy Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan to the EP). 12. Deputy Joe McHugh discharged on 17 July 2014 13. Deputy Ruairí Quinn appointed on 17 July 2014 (in substitution for Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin). 14. Deputy Frank Feighan elected as Chairman on 22 July 2014 15. Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan appointed on 18 November 2014 (in substitution for Deputy Clare Daly). 16. Deputy Dinny McGinley appointed on 2 December 2014.

APPENDIX 3: Meetings of the Joint Committee

The following are the details, in date order, of the scheduled meetings of the Joint Committee which took place during the period under report.

Meeting Topic Organisations, Groups and No. and Individuals who attended Date J44 Cross Border Smashing Times Theatre Company 15/1/2015 Theatre Projects Ms. Freda Manweiler, Manager Ms. Mary Moynihan, Director Ms. Olivia O’Hagan , Director J45 A5 Road Project and Mr. Pascal Donohoe, T.D., Minister for 5/2/2015 Narrow Water Transport, Tourism and Sport Bridge Project

J46 Outcome of Mr. TD, Minister 2/4/2015 Northern Ireland All for Foreign Affairs and Trade Party Talks

J47 Cross Border Safefood Ireland 23/4/2015 cooperation on Food Mr. Ray Dolan, Chief Executive Safety issues Dr Cliodhna Foley-Nolan, Director of Human Health and Nutrition Dr. Gary Kearney, Director of Food Science Ms. Fiona Gilligan, Director of Marketing and Communications J48 Opportunities for Mr. T.D., Minister 28/5/2015 cross border for Health Cooperation on Health issues

J49 Ex prisoners issues Coiste na nIarchimí 25/6/2015 Mr. Michael Culbert, Director

Ex Prisoners Interpretative Centre Mr. Tom Roberts, Director Mr. Robert Campbell, Project Coordinator

Northern Ireland Human Rights Implications of a Commission potential repeal of Mr. Les Allamby, Chief Commissioner UK & Human Rights Ms. Virginia McVea, Director Act 1998 Mr. David Russell, Deputy Director

Meeting Topic Organisations, Groups and No. and Individuals who attended Date Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Ms Emily Logan, Chief Commissioner Mr David Joyce BL, Member Mr Mark Kelly, Member J50 Current and future Integrated Education Fund 16/7/2015 Integrated Ms. Tina Merron, Chief Executive Education initiatives Mr. Paul Caskey, Campaign Director in Northern Ireland Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education Ms. Cliodhna Scott-Wills, Senior Development Officer

Drumragh Integrated College Mr. Nigel Frith, Principal

Strangford Integrated College Mr. Jake Proctor, Student J51 Outstanding Legacy WAVE Trauma Centre 24/09/2015 Issues in Northern Ms. Sandra Peake, CEO Ireland affecting victims and families Tara Centre Ms. Maura Twohig, Chairperson

Innocent Victims United Mr. Kenny Donaldson, Spokesperson

Healing Through Remembering Ms. Kate Turner, Project Director

Crossfire Trust Ian Bothwell, Spokesperson

Ballymurphy Massacre Committee Mr. John Teggart, Spokesperson

Bloody Sunday Families Mr. John Kelly, Spokesperson

Eddie Fullerton Family Ms. Amanda Fullerton – Spokesperson

Independent Victims and Survivors Coalition Mr. Austin Stack, Spokesperson

Meeting Topic Organisations, Groups and No. and Individuals who attended Date J52 Bill of Rights for University of 22/10/2015 Northern Ireland Professor Monica McWilliams, Transitional Justice Institute

Dr. Anne Smith, Transitional Justice Institute

Community Relations Council Outstanding Mr. Peter Osborne , Chair community relations Gemma Attwood, Strategic Director issues affecting

Northern Ireland Belfast Interface Project Mr. Joe O’Donnell , Strategic Director

Tides Training Ms. Mary Montague, Operational Director

LINC Belfast Mr. Derek Poole, Director

Rural Community Network Ms. Charmain Jones, Cohesion, Sharing and Integration Officer

North Belfast Interface Network Mr. Rab McCallum, Coordinator

J53 Preventing Youth Department of Education and Skills 26/11/15 Unemployment Mr. Peter Baldwin, Assistant through Education Secretary and Training Deirdre McDonnell, Principal Officer

Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Mr. William Parnell, Principal Officer Mr. Gerry Wrynn, Assistant Principal Officer

Department of Education (Northern Ireland)

Dr. David Hughes, Director of Curriculum, Qualifications and Standards

Department of Employment and Learning(Northern Ireland)

Meeting Topic Organisations, Groups and No. and Individuals who attended Date Ms. Yvonne Croskery, Director of Youth Policy & Strategy Division

Northern Ireland Mr. John McAllister MLA, Independent Private Members Unionist Assembly Reform Bill

J54 Developments in Mr Sean Sherlock, T.D., Minister of 17/12/15 Northern Ireland, State, Department of Foreign Affairs and, specifically, the and Trade Fresh Start Agreement

APPENDIX 4: Minutes of Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement

Minutes of Meeting of Thursday, 15 January 2015

The Joint Committee met in public session at 10.29 a.m. in Committee Room 4, LH2000, a quorum being present.

1. Members Present The following members were present:- Deputies Frank Feighan (in the Chair), Seán Crowe, Martin Ferris, Michael P. Kitt, Joe O’Reilly, Brendan Smith and Joanna Tuffy.

Senators Maurice Cummins and Mary White.

Apologies were received from Deputy Ruairi Quinn, Senator Mary Moran and Mark Durkan MLA.

Deputy Peter Matthews attended the meeting.

2. Private Session The Committee agreed to go into private session.

3. Item was discussed in private session.

4. Item was discussed in private session.

5. Item was discussed in private session.

6. Any Other Business

The Committee agreed to go into public session at 10. 37 am.

7. Discussion with Smashing Times Theatre Company on Cross Border Theatre Projects

The Chairman welcomed the following witnesses from Smashing Times Theatre Company to the meeting:

 Ms. Freda Manweiler, Company Manager.  Ms. Mary Moynihan, Company Director,  Ms. Olivia O’Hagan, Board Director.

The Chairman called on Ms. Manweiler to make the opening presentation. A question and answer session with the Members of the committee ensued.

The Chairman thanked the witnesses for such an interesting presentation and stated that it had enlightened the Committee as to the important activities undertaken by it.

8. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 11.31 am until 5th February 2015.

______Frank Feighan, TD., Chairman 5 February 2015

Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement

Minutes of Meeting of Thursday, 5 February 2015

The Joint Committee met in public session at 10. 22 am in Committee Room 4, LH2000, a quorum being present.

1. Members Present The following members were present:-

Deputies Frank Feighan (in the Chair), Sean Conlan, Seán Crowe, Martin Ferris, Séamus Kirk, Michael P. Kitt, Dinny McGinley, Joe O’Reilly, and Thomas Pringle.

Senators Maurice Cummins, Jim D’Arcy, and Mary White.

Members of Parliament Pat Doherty, Michelle Gildernew, and Conor Murphy.

Apologies were received from Deputies Ruairí Quinn, Jack Wall, and Mary Moran.

Private Session The Committee agreed to go into private session.

2. Item was discussed in private session.

3. Item was discussed in private session.

4. Item was discussed in private session.

The Committee agreed to go into public session at 10.36 am.

5. Discussion with Mr. Pascal Donohoe, T.D., Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport on cross border developments in transport infrastructure with specific reference to a) A5 Road Project and b) Narrow Water Bridge Project.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Pascal Donohoe, T.D., Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to the meeting.

The Chairman called on the Minister to make the opening presentation. A question and answer session with the Members of the committee ensued.

The Chairman thanked the Minister and his Officials for attending the meeting and comprehensively updating the Committee on North/South road transport projects and specifically on the A5/N2/N14/N15 upgrades and the Narrow Water Bridge Project.

The Committee agreed to go into private session at 11.53 am.

6. Item was discussed in private session.

7. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 11.55 am until 10.15 am on 12 March 2015.

______Frank Feighan, TD., Chairman 12 March 2015

Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement

Minutes of Meeting of Thursday, 2 April 2015

The Joint Committee met in public session at 10.19 a.m. in Committee Room 4, LH2000, a quorum being present.

1. Members Present The following members were present:-

Deputies Frank Feighan (in the Chair), Seán Conlan, Martin Ferris, Michael P. Kitt, Ruaíri Quinn and Brendan Smith.

Senators Maurice Cummins and Jim D’Arcy.

Apologies were received from Deputy Joe O’Reilly and Senator Mary White.

2. Private Session

The Committee agreed to go into private session.

3. Item was discussed in private session.

4. Item was discussed in private session.

5. Item was discussed in private session.

6. Item was discussed in private session.

7. Item was discussed in private session.

The Committee agreed to go into public session at 10.33 am.

8. Discussion with Mr. Charlie Flanagan, T.D., Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade on the outcome of the recent Northern Ireland All Party talks and the resulting Stormont House Agreement

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Charlie Flanagan, T.D., Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to the meeting.

The Chairman called on the Minister to make his opening statement on the outcome of the recent Northern Ireland All Party talks and the resulting Stormont House Agreement. A question and answer session with the Members of the committee ensued.

The Chairman thanked the Minister for opportunely engaging with the Committee soon after the signing of an historic agreement that seeks to bring further peace and reconciliation to the Island of Ireland.

9. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 12.04 pm until 23rd April 2015.

______Frank Feighan, TD., Chairman 23 April 2015

Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement

Minutes of Meeting of Thursday, 23 April 2015

The Joint Committee met in public session at 10.26 a.m. in Committee Room 4, LH2000, a quorum being present.

1. Members Present The following members were present:-

Deputies Frank Feighan (in the Chair), Sean Crowe, Martin Ferris, Dinny McGinley, and Brendan Smith.

Senator Mary Moran.

Apologies were received from Deputies Joe O’Reilly, Maureen O’Sullivan, Ruairí Quinn, and Senator Mary Moran.

Private Session The Committee agreed to go into private session.

2. Item was discussed in private session.

3. Item was discussed in private session.

5. Item was discussed in private session.

6. Item was discussed in private session.

7. Item was discussed in private session.

The Committee agreed to go into public session at 10.30 am.

8. Discussion with Safefood Ireland, regarding North/South Cooperation in Food Safety and Initiatives to promote healthy eating and combat obesity.

The Chairman welcomed the following witnesses from Safefood Ireland to the meeting:

 Mr. Ray Dolan, Chief Executive.  Dr Cliodhna Foley-Nolan; Director of Human Health and Nutrition.  Dr. Gary Kearney, Director of Food Science.  Ms. Fiona Gilligan, Director of Marketing and Communications

The Chairman called on Mr. Dolan to make the opening presentation. A question and answer session with the Members of the Committee ensued.

The Chairman thanked the witnesses for attending the meeting and engaging in a productive discussion on an issue of fundamental importance to all of the Island’s citizens.

9. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 11:47 am until 28 May 2015.

______Frank Feighan, TD., Chairman 28 May 2015

Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement

Minutes of Meeting of Thursday, 28 May 2015

The Joint Committee met in public session at 11.12 a.m. in Committee Room 4, LH2000, a quorum being present.

1. Members Present The following members were present:-

Deputies Frank Feighan (in the Chair), Seán Crowe, Martin Ferris, Peter Fitzpatrick, Michael P. Kitt, Joe O’Reilly, Maureen O’Sullivan and Brendan Smith.

Senator Mary Moran.

Mickey Brady MP.

Senator also attended the meeting.

Apologies were received from Deputies Joe O’Reilly, Ruairí Quinn and Senator Jim D’Arcy.

Private Session

The Committee agreed to go into private session.

2. Item was discussed in private session.

3. Item was discussed in private session.

4. Item was discussed in private session.

5. Item was discussed in private session.

6. Item was discussed in private session.

7. Item was discussed in private session.

The Committee agreed to go into public session at 11.29 am.

8. Mr. Leo Varadkar, T.D., Minister for Health on the opportunities to enhance health service provision through north south cooperation.

The Chairman welcomed Minister Varadkar to the meeting.

The Chairman called on the Minister to make his opening statement on the opportunities to enhance health service provision through north south cooperation. A question and answer session with the Members of the committee ensued.

The Chairman thanked the Minister for opportunely and constructively engaging with the Committee on an issue of paramount importance not only to the Committee but to all the citizens on the island of Ireland.

9. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 12.50 am until 10.15 am on 25th June 2015.

______Frank Feighan, TD., Chairman 25 June 2015

Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement

Minutes of Meeting of Thursday, 25 June 2015

The Joint Committee met in public session at 10.18 a.m. in Committee Room 4, LH2000, a quorum being present.

1. Members Present

The following members were present:-

Deputies Frank Feighan (in the Chair), (in substitution for Seán Crowe), Martin Ferris, Peter Fitzpatrick, Michael P. Kitt, Maureen O’Sullivan, Thomas Pringle and Brendan Smith.

Senator Maurice Cummins.

Member of Parliament Pat Doherty.

Apologies were received from Deputies Sean Crowe, Joe O’Reilly, Ruairí Quinn and Senators Jim D’Arcy, Mary Moran and Mary White.

Senator Mark Daly attended the meeting.

Private Session

The Committee agreed to go into private session.

2. Item was discussed in private session.

3. Item was discussed in private session.

4. Item was discussed in private session.

5. Item was discussed in private session.

6. SESSION 1 - Discussion with Coiste na nIarchimí and Ex Prisoners Interpretative Centre (EPIC) on the outstanding legacy issues in Northern Ireland affecting the reintegration of political prisoners. The Chairman welcomed the following witnesses from to the meeting:

 Mr. Michael Culbert, Director, Coiste na nIarchimí.  Mr. Tom Roberts, Director, Ex Prisoners Interpretative Centre (EPIC).  Mr. Robert Campbell, Project Coordinator, Ex Prisoners Interpretative Centre (EPIC).

The Chairman called on the witnesses to make their opening presentations. A question and answer session with the Members of the Committee ensued.

The Chairman thanked the witnesses for attending the meeting and engaging in an informative and productive discussion on an issue of fundamental

importance in the context of securing real and lasting peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland.

7 SESSION 2 - Discussion with the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission and the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission on the UK’s Government’s proposal to repeal the UK Human Rights Act, 1998 and the potential effect this would have on the Good Friday Agreement.

The Chairman welcomed the following witnesses from to the meeting:

 Ms. Emily Logan, Chief Commissioner, Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission  Mr. David Joyce, BL, Member, Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.  Mr. Mark Kelly, Member, Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.  Mr. Les Allamby, Chief Commissioner, Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.  Ms. Virginia McVea, Director, Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.  Mr. Paul Yam, Deputy Director, Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.

The Chairman called on the witnesses to make their opening presentations. A question and answer session with the Members of the Committee ensued.

The meeting was suspended for two Dáil Vótáils from 11.28 am to 11.51 am and 11.58 am to 12.14 pm respectively.

The Chairman thanked the witnesses for meeting with the Committee today. He stated that the discussion has been very informative on an issue that is of profound significance to future peace and genuine reconciliation in Northern Ireland and is intrinsic to implementing the Good Friday Agreement.

8. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 12.49 pm until 16 July 2015.

______Frank Feighan, TD., Chairman 16 July 2015

Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement

Minutes of Meeting of Thursday, 16 July 2015

The Joint Committee met in public session at 10.23 a.m. in Committee Room 4, LH2000, a quorum being present.

1. Members Present The following members were present:-

Deputies Frank Feighan (in the Chair), Jonathan O’Brien (in substitution for Martin Ferris), Michael P. Kitt, Dinny McGinley, Thomas Pringle, Brendan Smith and Joanna Tuffy.

Senators Jim D’Arcy, Maurice Cummins, Mary Moran and Mary White.

Apologies were received from Deputies Joe O’Reilly and Ruairí Quinn.

Senator Mark Daly attended the meeting.

Private Session

The Committee agreed to go into private session.

2. Item was discussed in private session.

3. Item was discussed in private session.

4. Item was discussed in private session.

5. Item was discussed in private session.

6. Item was discussed in private session.

7. Item was discussed in private session.

8.Discussion with Northern Ireland Council on Integrated Education (NICIE) and Integrated Education Fund (IEF) on proposals for current and future integrated education initiatives.

The Chairman welcomed the following witnesses from to the meeting:

 Mr. Nigel Frith, Northern Ireland Council on Integrated Education (NICIE) director and Principal of Drumragh Integrated College; NICIE.  Ms. Cliodhna Scott Wills, Senior Development Officer, NICIE.  Mr. Jake Proctor, student from Strangford Integrated College, NICIE.  Ms. Tina Merron, Integrated Education Fund (IEF).  Mr. Paul Caskey, Campaign Director, IEF.

The Chairman called on the witnesses to make their opening presentations. A question and answer session with the Members of the Committee ensued.

The meeting was suspended from 10.55 am until 12 noon due to a Dáil Votáil.

The Chairman thanked the witnesses for attending the meeting and engaging in an informative and productive discussion on an issue of fundamental importance to long term peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland for future generations. He noted that Jake’s contribution demonstrates clearly how this issue is about the future. He further stated that his articulate engagement with the Committee and powerful message gave him great hope for the future of Northern Ireland.

It was agreed to arrange an Outreach Visit to Strangford Integrated College and additional schools, if necessary, to meet the students and teachers and see how Integrated Education works in practice.

9.Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 1.00 pm until 24 September 2015.

______Frank Feighan, TD., Chairman 24 September 2015

Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement

Minutes of Meeting of Thursday, 24 September 2015

The Joint Committee met in public session at 9.37 a.m. in Committee Room 4, LH2000, a quorum being present.

1. Members Present The following members were present:-

Deputies Frank Feighan (in the Chair), Seán Conlan, Seán Crowe, Martin Ferris, Peter Fitzpatrick, Michael P. Kitt, Dinny McGinley, Joe O’Reilly, Maureen O’Sullivan, Thomas Pringle, Brendan Smith and Joanna Tuffy.

Senators Jim D’Arcy and Mary Moran.

Members of Parliament Mickey Brady and Francie Molloy.

Apologies were received from Deputy Ruairí Quinn and Senator Mary White.

Senator Mark Daly attended the meeting.

Private Session

The Committee agreed to go into private session.

2. Item was discussed in private session.

3. Item was discussed in private session.

4. Item was discussed in private session.

PUBLIC SESSION 5. SESSION 1 - Discussion on outstanding legacy issues in Northern Ireland affecting victims and relatives The Chairman thanked the Victims Commission and The Junction for sending their respective apologies for not attending the meeting. Unfortunately, Victims Commission had a key event organised for today and the Junction had other outstanding business that necessitated both declining the invitation. They have both indicated that they would be very interested in coming before the Committee again if possible and will submit a written brief on the issue of today’s meeting to assist the Committee in its deliberations. The Chairman thanked the organisations for such positive engagement.

The Chairman then welcomed the following witnesses to the meeting:

 Ms. Sandra Peake, CEO, WAVE Trauma Centre.  Ms. Maura Twohig, Chairperson, Tara Centre.  Mr. John Beggs, Secretary, Victims Commission.  Mr. Kenny Donaldson, Spokesperson, Innocent Victims United.

The Chairman called on the witnesses to make their opening presentations. A question and answer session with the Members of the Committee ensued.

The Chairman thanked the witnesses for attending the meeting and engaging in an informative and productive discussion on an issue that goes to the very core of seeking real peace and lasting reconciliation in Northern Ireland.

The Committee suspended from 11.45 am until 12.40 pm.

6. SESSION 2 - Discussion on outstanding legacy issues in Northern Ireland affecting victims and relatives The Chairman welcomed the following witnesses to the meeting:

 Mr. John Teggart, Spokesperson, Ballymurphy Massacre Committee.  Mr. John Kelly, Spokesperson, Bloody Sunday Families.  Ms. Amanda Fullerton, Spokesperson, Eddie Fullerton Family.  Mr. Austin Stack, Spokesperson, Independent Victims and Survivors Coalition.

The Chairman called on the witnesses to make their opening presentations. A question and answer session with the Members of the Committee ensued.

The Chairman thanked the witnesses for attending the meeting and engaging in an informative and productive discussion of profound significance to future peace and genuine reconciliation in Northern Ireland but also is intrinsic to fully implementing the Good Friday Agreement.

The Committee suspended from 2.38 pm until 3.36 pm.

7. SESSION 3 - Discussion on outstanding legacy issues in Northern Ireland affecting victims and relatives The Chairman welcomed the following witnesses to the meeting:

 Mr. William Devas, Director, Glencree Centre for Peace & Reconciliation.  Ms. Bernadette Joly, Spokesperson, Justice for the Forgotten.  Mr. Paul O’Connor, Project Manager, Justice for the Forgotten/Pat Finucane Centre.  Mr. Brian Gormally, Director, Committee for Administration of Justice.

The Chairman called on the witnesses to make their opening presentations. A question and answer session with the Members of the Committee ensued.

The Chairman thanked the witnesses for attending the meeting and for their brave and insightful discussions with Committee Members. He reiterated that today’s series of meetings have been very informative and highly productive, on an issue that is of profound significance to future peace and genuine reconciliation in Northern Ireland.

It was agreed to send letters to An and the Ministers for Defense; Foreign Affairs and Trade and Justice & Equality asking them to address the issues raised at the meeting that pertain to their respective Departments. The letters will also ask An Taoiseach and the respective Ministers to liaise with their counterparts in Westminster and the Northern Ireland Assembly and ask them to respond to the issues raised. The responses to the Committee should incorporate the views from the UK and Northern Ireland Ministers.

In addition, the letter to An Taoiseach will ask that he contacts the British Ambassador and seeks an early meeting between the Ambassador and Justice for the Forgotten as a matter of urgent priority.

8. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 5.22 pm until 22 October 2015.

______Frank Feighan, TD., Chairman 22 October 2015

Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement

Minutes of Meeting of Thursday, 22 October 2015

The Joint Committee met in public session at 10.30 a.m. in Committee Room 4, LH2000, a quorum being present.

1. Members Present The following members were present:-

Deputies Frank Feighan (in the Chair), Seán Crowe, Martin Ferris, Peter Fitzpatrick, Joe O’Reilly, Maureen O’Sullivan, Thomas Pringle, Ruairí Quinn and Brendan Smith.

Senator John Crown.

Member of Parliament Mickey Brady.

Apologies were received from Deputy Michael P. Kitt and Senator Mary Moran.

Private Session

The Committee agreed to go into private session.

2. Item was discussed in private session.

3. Item was discussed in private session.

4. Item was discussed in private session.

5. Item was discussed in private session.

6. SESSION 1 - Discussion with the co –authors of the report ‘Political Capacity Building: Advancing a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland’.

The Chairman welcomed the following witnesses to the meeting:

 Dr. Anne Smith, Transitional Justice Institute, University of Ulster.  Professor Monica McWilliams, Transitional Justice Institute, University of Ulster.

The Chairman called on the witnesses to make their opening presentation. A question and answer session with the Members of the Committee ensued.

The Chairman thanked the witnesses for attending the meeting and engaging in an informative and productive discussion on an issue of fundamental importance in the context of ensuring human rights to all citizens in Northern Ireland.

7. SESSION 2 - Discussion with the Community Relations Council (CRC) and its partner organizations on i) Current and future initiatives and ii) outstanding issues affecting community relations and peace building work in Northern Ireland. The Chairman welcomed the following witnesses from to the meeting:

 Mr. Peter Osbourne, Chair, Community Relations Council.  Mr. Joe O’Donnell, Belfast Interface Project.  Ms. Mary Montague, Tides Training.  Mr. Derek Poole, LINC.  Ms. Charmain Jones, Rural Community Network.  Mr. Rab McCallum, North Belfast Interface Network.

The Chairman called on the witnesses to make their opening presentation. A question and answer session with the Members of the Committee ensued.

The Chairman thanked the witnesses for meeting with the Committee today. He stated that the discussion has been very informative on issues that are profound significance to future peace and genuine reconciliation in Northern Ireland and is intrinsic to implementing the Good Friday Agreement.

8. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 12.49 pm until 26 November 2015.

______Frank Feighan, TD., Chairman 26 November 2015

Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement

Minutes of Meeting of Thursday, 26 November 2015

The Joint Committee met in public session at 10.30 a.m. in Committee Room 4, LH2000, a quorum being present.

1. Members Present The following members were present:-

Deputies Frank Feighan (in the Chair), Seán Crowe, Martin Ferris, Michael P. Kitt, Maureen O’Sullivan and Ruairí Quinn.

Senator Mary White.

Member of Parliament Paul Maskey.

Apologies were received from Deputy Dinny McGinley

Private Session

The Committee agreed to go into private session.

2. Item was discussed in private session.

3. Item was discussed in private session.

4. Item was discussed in private session.

5 SESSION 1 - Discussion with the relevant Officials on cross border opportunities to i) prevent youth unemployment through education and training and ii) promote job creation.

The Chairman welcomed the following Officials to the meeting:

 Mr. Peter Baldwin, Assistant Secretary, Department of Education and Skills.  Ms. Deirdre McDonnell, Principal Officer, Higher Education Section, Department of Education and Skills.  Mr. William Parnell, Principal Officer, Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.  Mr. Barry Jordan, Director of Equality and All Ireland, Department of Education (Northern Ireland).  Ms.Yvonne Croskery, Director of Youth Policy & Strategy Division, Department of Employment and Learning (Northern Ireland).

The Chairman called on the Officials to make their opening presentation. A question and answer session with the Members of the Committee ensued.

The Chairman thanked the Officials for attending the meeting and engaging in an informative and productive discussion on an issue that is fundamentally

important to the island of Ireland, north and south, as its citizens look to the future.

6. SESSION 2 – Briefing by Mr. John McAllister, MLA, Independent Unionist, on his Assembly and Executive Reform (Assembly Opposition) Bill. The Chairman welcomed the following witnesses to the meeting:

 Mr. John McAllister, MLA, Independent Unionist.  Mr. Peter Hutchinson, Policy Advisor.

The Chairman called on the Mr. McAllister to make his opening presentation. A question and answer session with the Members of the Committee ensued.

The Chairman thanked the witnesses for meeting with the Committee today. He stated that the discussion has been very informative on an issue that has profound significance to the future of the governing structures in Northern Ireland. He praised Mr. McAllister’s initiative and commitment in initiating the Bill.

7. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 1.04 pm until 17 December 2015.

______Frank Feighan, TD., Chairman 17 December 2015

Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement

Minutes of Meeting of Thursday, 17 December 2015

The Joint Committee met in public session at 10.30 a.m. in Committee Room 4, LH2000, a quorum being present.

1. Members Present

The following members were present:-

Deputies Frank Feighan (in the Chair), Seán Crowe, Martin Ferris, Peter Fitzpatrick, Joe O’Reilly, Maureen O’Sullivan, Thomas Pringle, Ruairí Quinn and Brendan Smith.

Senator John Crown.

Member of Parliament Mickey Brady.

Apologies were received from Deputy Michael P. Kitt and Senator Mary Moran.

Private Session

The Committee agreed to go into private session.

2. Item was discussed in private session.

3. Item was discussed in private session.

4. Item was discussed in private session.

5. Item was discussed in private session.

6. Discussion with Mr. Sean Sherlock T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, on current developments in Northern Ireland with specific reference to the Fresh Start Agreement.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Sean Sherlock T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and asked him to make his opening presentation. A question and answer session with the Members of the Committee ensued.

The Chairman thanked the Minister for attending the meeting and engaging in an informative and productive discussion. He commended the Minister and all the parties involved for their commitment and resolve in coming to an Agreement. He stated that he believes this inclusive Agreement paves the way for a brighter, more hopeful future for Northern Ireland.

7. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 12.42 pm until 21 January 2016.

______Frank Feighan, TD., Chairman 21 January 2016