111. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the issues discussed at the 45th summit meeting of the British-Irish Council in Guernsey on 10 July 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54257/26]

Along with the Taoiseach, I attended the 45th British-Irish Council summit hosted by the Government of Guernsey on 9/10 July 2026.

There were two substantive items on the agenda of the summit meeting; a thematic discussion on ‘Nurturing Beginnings: Strengthening Early Years and Family Support for Happy, Healthy Childhoods and Lifelong Wellbeing’ and Latest Political Developments.

On the Thematic Discussion, leaders demonstrated the value of their individual approaches and early-years schemes, interventions and parental supports. The value of early intervention was noted across the board.

Each administration spoke to the value, both societally and economically, of allowing for more workforce participation through the availability of early-years childcare support. Whilst administrations showcased their best practices, there was also an openness and honesty in interventions, with no reluctance from principals to note their own need to do more in certain respects. There was a collective recognition of the need for domestic regulation and evidence based policy regarding additional needs supports, as the demand for these services increases.  Discussion also covered the importance of cooperation and shared learning in relation to digital technologies.

There was consensus that retention of qualified staff and the need to improve working conditions is a common challenge across these Islands.

Lastly, there was support expressed for work going on in the BIC early years work sector.

The discussion of Latest Political Developments, focused on domestic and global matters and the implications for the jurisdictions in attendance. Specific topics raised included the Irish Presidency of the EU; the EU-UK relationship; gender based violence; and the rising cost of living.