To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister in relation to (i) the Specialised Committee; and (ii) the Joint Consultative Working Group, for their assessment of the (a) role; (b) terms of reference; and (c) appointment process, with particular reference to the representation of Northern Ireland at both committees.

The role, terms of reference and appointment process of the Ireland/Northern Ireland Specialised Committee and the Joint Consultative Working Group are agreed between the UK Government and the European Union.

The UK Government committed in New Decade, New Approach to ensure that representatives from the Northern Ireland Executive are invited to be part of the UK delegation in any meetings of the UK-EU Specialised or Joint Committees discussing Northern Ireland specific matters which are also being attended by the Irish Government as part of the European Union’s delegation.

The first meeting of the Ireland/Northern Ireland Specialised Committee took place on 30 April. Dr Andrew McCormick, Director General for International Relations, was invited by the UK to attend on behalf of the Northern Ireland Executive. It was agreed at the meeting that the Joint Consultative Working Group should be convened but detailed terms of reference and a date for its first meeting have not yet been confirmed.