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Taoiseach, Enda Kenny will today attend the British Irish Council (BIC) Summit being hosted in Cardiff by First Minister Carwyn Jones.

He will be accompanied by Children & Youth Affairs Minister Katherine Zappone. The meeting will also be attended by First Minister, Arlene Foster, deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, Secretary of State, James Brokenshire, the First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, and representatives from all other Member Administrations. The Taoiseach will also take the opportunity to have a bilateral discussion with First Minister Sturgeon.

The British-Irish Council established under the 1998 Multi-Party Agreement continues to play a valuable role in developing and furthering links between its eight Member Administrations. It provides a dynamic forum for exchange of information and collaboration on policies of mutual interest and it fosters positive, practical relationships across these islands.

Following on from the extraordinary summit convened in July, the Council will continue their discussions on the emerging impacts of Brexit for Member Administrations. Themes raised are expected to include the implications for the economy and trade and on sectoral areas such as agriculture, agri-food and fisheries; the common travel area and relations with the EU. The Taoiseach will give an overview of the Government’s preparedness for Brexit, on the All-Island Civic Dialogue and the outcome of the North South Ministerial Council.

The Summit will also provide an opportunity for Ministers with particular responsibility for early years policy to consider a collaborative paper prepared by the Council’s Early Years work sector on the importance of creating strong foundations for children and families to thrive. Minister Zappone will put forward the Irish Government perspective in this regard.

A Communiqué will issue from the BIC at the conclusion of the Summit.