NI chiefs to sitin on EU talks

Traditional Unionist Voice (MLA) Jim Allister wanted to know how Ministers from the UK jurisdiction of Northern Ireland would be allowed to attend the meetings during the ROI leadership period.

In a joint statement First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness advised: “The Irish Government will be hosting ‘informal council’ meetings during the EU Presidency on a range of issues that are impacted by EU policy which will be attended by Ministers and representatives from various EU governments.

“The Irish Government has indicated that it is willing to invite Executive Ministers to those that are relevant to their portfolios”

The claimed participation would allow Northern Ireland Ministers a chance to meet “key European decision-makers that otherwise would not be the case.”

“Decisions whether to attend or participate in such events will be a matter for individual Ministers and departments,” they stated