Britain and Northern Ireland Division supports the work of the Taoiseach and Government in helping to maintain peace and develop new relationships on the island of Ireland and between Britain and Ireland. The Division deals with all aspect of British-Irish relations and, in particular, the impact of Brexit on Northern Ireland affairs and North-South cooperation, as well as relations with the devolved administrations and supports the work of the Cabinet Committee on Brexit and Nortrhern Ireland on these issues. The Division supports the Taoiseach and Government’s work, with the British Government, as co guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement and its institutions. This includes in particular supporting the Taoiseach’s participation in the North South Ministerial Council, which can meet when a Northern Ireland Executive is in place, and the British Irish Council as key institutions of the Good Friday Agreement. The Division also has a role, along with other areas within the Department and other Government Departments, in contributing to the oversight and development of the State’s commemorations programme for the Decade of Centenaries.
The Shared Island unit supports implementation of the Government’s commitment to work with all communities and traditions on the island to build consensus around a shared future on the island underpinned by the Good Friday Agreement. The unit is examining the political, social, economic and cultural considerations for a shared future in which all traditions are mutually respected. The unit’s work includes supporting delivery of commitments on a shared island in the Programme for Government, fostering inclusive dialogue and commissioning research on a shared future. The unit works in close cooperation with other Government Departments and engages on an inclusive basis with civil society, North and South on the island.