North South (NSMC)
The North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) was established on 2 December 1999 arising from Strand Two of the Agreement reached in the Multi-Party Negotiations in Belfast on Good Friday, 10 April 1998.
About the NSMC
It brings together ministers from the Northern Ireland Executive and the Irish Government, to develop consultation, co-operation and action within the island of Ireland on matters of mutual interest.
In Northern Ireland the NSMC operates within the legislative framework of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 as amended by the Northern Ireland St Andrews Agreement Act 2006.
The NSMC oversees the work of 12 Areas for Co-operation. The North/South Implementation Bodies Northern Ireland Order 1999 gave domestic effect to the establishment of six North/South Implementation Bodies.
The Council is supported by a Joint Secretariat in Armagh staffed by personnel from The Executive Office and the Irish Civil Service.
More information
For more information on the work of the Joint Secretariat, including annual reports and relevant contact details, please visit the NSMC website.