The British-Irish Council (BIC), established under Strand Three of the Belfast Agreement, came into effect on December 2nd with the devolution of power from Westminster to the new Northern Ireland Assembly.
Membership of the council comprises representatives of the British and Irish governments and devolved institutions in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, together with representatives of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man.
It will meet at summit level twice a year involving heads of government or administration.
It will meet regularly in specific sectoral formats to discuss various issues, with each administration or government being represented by the appropriate ministers.
The aim of the council, according to the Belfast Agreement, is to "promote the harmonious and mutually beneficial development of the totality of relationships among the peoples of these islands".