43rd plenary, Brighton, October 2011

The 43rd plenary of the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly was held in the Grand Hotel, Cork, 24-25 October 2011.

This agenda for the plenary was focussed on the internal work of Assembly and in establishing work programmes for the four Committees for the years ahead. The Assembly also heard from a number of speakers on issues relating to the banking crisis, human rights, and the law and order situation in Northern Ireland.

In this respect the guest speakers at the plenary included:

• Sally Scutt, Deputy CEO, British Bankers Association
• Martin Howe, UK Bill of Rights Commission
• Lord Shutt, Northern Ireland Office
• David Ford MLA, Minister for Justice in the Northern Ireland Executive

The Assembly also marked the location of the plenary by way of a minute's silence for all the vicitms of the Troubles at the beginning of proceedings on Monday morning.

The Co-Chairmen of the Assembly, Joe McHugh TD and Lord Cope of Berkeley, outside the Grand Hotel, Brighton, before the opening of the 43rd plenary

The Co-Chairmen of the Assembly with Lord Shutt following his address to the 43rd plenary on MOnday 24 October 2011

Martin Howe, UK Bill of Rights Commission, addresses the 43rd plenary of the Assembly in Brighton

Northeern Ireland Justice Minister, David Ford MLA, speaks at the Assembly plenary on Tuesday 25 October 2011