Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK has today (Friday, January 13) led a senior delegation from the Isle of Man Government attending the 17th British-Irish Council Summit in Dublin.

Mr Bell and Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK took part in top-level discussions on a range of issues, including the state of the economy, challenges presented by youth unemployment and efforts to address problem drug use.
The BIC, established under the terms of the Good Friday peace agreement, is the only international forum comprising the governments of the UK, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey.

It plays an important role in developing positive links between member countries and provides a platform for consultation and co-operation on matters of mutual interest.
As well as contributing to the Summit’s main agenda at Dublin Castle, the Chief Minister took the opportunity to hold informal one-to-one discussions with his political counterparts from Ireland, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey.

He said: ‘The British-Irish Council has always been a valuable forum for the Isle of Man, allowing us to take our place alongside the governments of our neighbouring islands and discuss common challenges at the highest level. It affords us the respect and recognition we need to further strengthen the Island’s international identity.
‘All our governments are facing, and working hard to address, significant fiscal challenges. BIC draws everybody together to focus on ways to grow our economies and create a more sustainable future for people across our islands. From an Isle of Man perspective, it is also an opportunity to reaffirm our economic value to our closest neighbours and trading partners.’

The Chief Minister and Minister Watterson took their place alongside senior politicians from other sovereign governments, devolved administrations and crown dependencies, joining delegations headed by Taoiseach Enda Kenny (Ireland), Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg (UK), First Minister Alex Salmond (Scotland), First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness (Northern Ireland), First Minister Carwyn Jones (Wales), Chief Minister Ian Gorst (Jersey) and Chief Minister Lyndon Trott (Guernsey).

In addition to assessing the current economic situation and how governments are working to rebalance their finances, the Summit also discussed strategies to reduce youth unemployment, and measures to assist recovery from drug dependence.
Minister Watterson, whose Department has responsibility for the Isle of Man’s Drug and Alcohol Strategy, said: ‘The Council agreed that member administrations will actively encourage a renewed focus on recovery from problem drug use, and will work together to evaluate and share successful approaches.’
The next British-Irish Council Summit will be hosted by Scotland in June.

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