December 7, 2023
In November, the Jersey London Office supported Jersey Ministers in attending the 40th British-Irish Council Summit (BIC) in Dublin. The theme of the event was ‘Transforming Children’s Lives : Tackling Child Poverty and Improving Wellbeing.’
Despite the appalling stabbings in Dublin and the subsequent riots that coincided with the start of the BIC on Thursday evening, the plenary went ahead as planned on Friday morning.
Jersey was represented at the Summit by the Chief Minister, Deputy Kristina Moore, who said: “First, I would like to say that our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families of yesterday’s attack in Dublin’s city centre.
“Children are at the heart of today’s discussions. The theme is ‘Transforming Children’s Lives: Tackling Child Poverty and Improving Welfare’ – an immensely important and topical issue, close to the centre of our government’s priorities.
“This is my fourth summit representing Jersey. Following our own summit over the summer, it is an opportunity to discuss the international matters which affect us all, and for me to update the Council on the latest political developments in Jersey.
“The British-Irish Council remains an important forum that brings together member administrations to discuss, and address, the challenges facing us all. I thank the Taoiseach and the whole Irish Government for hosting us so warmly and in the impressive historic venue of Dublin Castle. We were immensely impressed with the response of the Taoiseach, Irish Government, and the Gardai to last night’s events.’’
Taking advantage of Jersey’s presence in Dublin, the Treasury and Resources Minister, Deputy Ian Gorst, met with the Minister for Finance of Ireland, Michael McGrath TD. They discussed a range of topics of mutual interest and signed a protocol to enhance the existing Double Taxation Agreement in place between Jersey and Ireland.
