From:Department of the Taoiseach

Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee, will attend the 45th summit meeting of the British-Irish Council (BIC) in Guernsey today (July 10th).

The BIC is an institution established under the Good Friday Agreement to promote good, practical, positive and mutually beneficial relations between the peoples of these islands.

The summit will be hosted by the Government of Guernsey’s Chief Minister, Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, and attended by representatives of the Governments of all eight member administrations.

This year's summit will include discussions on early years systems to support children and families, including consideration of age-appropriate digital access and wellbeing. Leaders will also discuss wider political developments, including internationally.

Speaking in advance of the Summit, the Taoiseach said:

“The British Irish Council offers an opportunity to meet with our nearest neighbours to exchange ideas and discuss issues that affect us all, a core component of the Good Friday Agreement.

This summit’s theme on supporting healthy and happy childhoods and early years is a priority for my Government, and I look forward to hearing the insights and learnings from others while in Guernsey.

Digital technologies in particular are becoming an increasingly larger part of children’s lives, and it is essential we provide evidence-informed guidance to parents and educators.”

Speaking ahead of the Summit, Minister McEntee said:

“The BIC provides a vital forum for strengthening cooperation with counterparts from across these islands on the issues that matter most to our citizens and gives us a chance to work closely on areas of mutual concern.

Protecting children online will be one of my key priorities at this Summit. As digital technologies become an ever-greater part of children’s lives, we must work together to ensure they have access to age-appropriate, safe and empowering digital experiences that support their learning, development and wellbeing.

Through closer collaboration, shared expertise and coordinated action, we can develop effective solutions that better protect children across these islands.”

The British-Irish Council (BIC) is an intergovernmental organisation established in 1998 under Strand 3 of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement. Comprising the Government of Ireland and the UK Government, along with the devolved administrations of the United Kingdom, the Council aims to promote collaboration, dialogue, and cooperation on matters of mutual interest and shared concern. The BIC serves as a platform for discussing key issues and strengthening relationships between all participating administrations.

For further information on the British-Irish Council, visit the officialBIC website.