The British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly will hold its 68th plenary session from Monday 23 to Tuesday 24 March 2026 in Tralee, Co Kerry.
The Assembly will bring together parliamentarians from Ireland, the United Kingdom and the Crown Dependencies to discuss matters of mutual interest and strengthen parliamentary links across these islands.
A number of Irish and UK Government Ministers will address the Assembly over the course of the plenary, including Jack Chambers, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Government of Ireland.
Discussions during the plenary will focus on key themes including Ireland-UK relations in a European context, Northern Ireland, cross-border cooperation, food security and sustainability, and international issues. Members will also hear updates on Committee work and contributions from the Ireland-UK Youth Forum.
Speaking ahead of the plenary, Irish Co-Chair of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly, Brendan Smith TD, said: “I look forward to welcoming colleagues to Kerry for what promises to be a productive and engaging plenary.
This Assembly plays a vital role in deepening understanding and cooperation between parliamentarians across these islands, particularly at a time when close engagement is more important than ever against a backdrop of global instability.
There is renewed momentum in Ireland–UK relations following the recent Summit in Cork and the shared ambition set out by both Governments to deepen cooperation out to 2030.
Over the two days, we will examine key issues of mutual concern including Ireland-UK relations in a European context, developments in Northern Ireland, cross border cooperation, food security and sustainability, and wider international challenges.
We are also pleased to launch a new website for BIPA, www.britishirish.org, which reflects the depth and breadth of the important work undertaken by Members. It has been designed to improve awareness of the Assembly’s work and to strengthen visibility and engagement around its activities and the broader UK–Ireland relationship.”
Gill Furniss MP, British Co-Chair of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly, said: “The meeting last week of the Taoiseach and the Prime Minister in Cork highlighted the importance of continuing to work together to meet head on the emerging challenges posed by the current uncertain global climate.
Our gathering next week in Tralee gives us as parliamentarians the chance to strengthen our own relationships, and provides an ideal forum to discuss the progress being made in vital areas such as cross-border cooperation, food security and addressing the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland.
We are also pleased to unveil our brand new website, www.britishirish.org, which will give us a fresh opportunity to amplify the important and interesting work being carried out by the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly and bring it to new audiences across the UK, Ireland and the Crown Dependencies.”
Accreditation
There are a limited number of places available for media. Journalists wishing to attend should contact Áine McMahon to confirm attendance aine.mcmahon@oireachtas.ie. UK media queries to Oliver Florence – florenceo@parliament.uk