28.03.2014
British and Irish parliamentarians will gather in the Great Hall, Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin on Monday where the programme includes key note addresses from An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD and Michael O’Leary, Chief Executive, Ryan Air.
The Scottish Parliament’s delegation will be headed up by Deputy Presiding Officer John Scott MSP and includes MSPs Willie Coffey, Michael McMahon, Alison McInnes, and Gordon Macdonald.
Two days of talks ranging from reforming the public sector to the future challenges facing employers and employees will take place at the 48th plenary session of the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly (31 March – 1 April).
Speaking ahead of the conference, Mr Scott said:
“Despite the geographical distance between our legislatures, we face so many similar challenges in our communities. Coming together to pool our experiences, and to examine issues of common concern, can only help develop policies and practices. I am particularly pleased to note that An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD, will once again address Members and I look forward to hearing his comments.”
Panel discussion topics include:
‘The Future of Work’ with Londonderry Chamber of Commerce’s Senior Vice President Gerry Kindlon; Science Foundation of Ireland Chairperson, Ann Riordan; and Industrial Development Authority (IDA) Chair, Frank Ryan.
‘Reform of Public Sector’ with Dr Eoin O’Malley, School of Law and Government, Dublin City University and Dr Richard Boyle, Head of Research, Publishing and Corporate Relations, Institute of Public Administration.
Background
BIPA’s mission is to promote co-operation between political representatives in Britain and Ireland and to build on the close relationships established in recent years between politicians throughout Britain and Ireland.
It was established in 1990 as a link between the Houses of Parliament and the Houses of the Oireachtas. In 2001 membership was enlarged to include the Scottish Parliament, the Welsh Assembly, the Northern Ireland Assembly, the High Court of Tynwald and the States of Guernsey and Jersey.
Members engage in a wide range of non-legislative parliamentary activities, through bi-annual plenary meetings and ongoing Committee work.
Plenaries debate topical issues, Committee reports, and include a question period with a senior Minister from the host country. Four Committees meet regularly and take oral and written evidence on specific issues. Committees also interact with the European Parliament and the wider international community.