The 66th plenary of the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly was held in the Druids Glen Resort, Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow, from 13 to 15 April 2024.
The recently appointed Taoiseach, Simon Harris TD, addressed the Assembly at the opening of the plenary.
Other speakers at the 66th plenary included:
- Thomas Byrne TD, Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Government of Ireland
- Joanne Stuart, Chief Executive Officer, Northern Ireland Tourism Alliance
- His Excellency Martin Fraser, Ambassador of Ireland to Great Britain
- His Excellency Paul Johnston, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Ireland
- Alice Mansergh, Chief Executive, Tourism Ireland
- Eoghan O’Mara Walsh, Chief Executive Officer, Irish Tourism Industry Federation
- Grainne O’Connor, Manager, Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark
Read the Assembly’s Programme of Business for the 66th plenary here.
Read the speeches and contributions made at the 66th plenary here.
The Assembly adopted a report from Committee C (Economic) on Government Energy Strategy and Consumer Energy Policy. Read the report here.
The Assembly debated and adopted resolutions as follows:
CURRENT INTERNATIONAL EVENTS: GAZA
That this Assembly calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza leading to a lasting sustainable ceasefire, for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, for a massive and sustained surge in humanitarian aid into Gaza to respond to the catastrophic humanitarian situation, and urges all parties to comply with their obligations under international law.
CURRENT INTERNATIONAL EVENTS: UKRAINE
That this Assembly condemns in the strongest terms Russia’s unprovoked, illegal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine; stands in solidarity with the Verkhovna Rada; unreservedly supports the freedom of the people of Ukraine; and underlines its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, freedom and territorial integrity, and the right of the people of Ukraine to determine their own destiny; supports efforts to build for a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine based on the Ukraine peace plan, and calls for accountability for Russia’s war crimes.
DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM AND PROVISION FOR HOUSING IN RURAL AREAS ACROSS BIPA JURISDICTIONS
That the Assembly will consider the relationships between the development of tourism and provision for housing in rural areas across the BIPA jurisdictions.
GOVERNMENT ENERGY STRATEGY AND CONSUMER ENERGY POLICY
That this Assembly takes note of the report of Committee C (Economic Affairs) entitled Government Energy Strategy and Consumer Energy Policy.