Under the Belfast-Irish Agreement Act, a North-South Ministerial Council was established in addition to six cross border implementation bodies.

These bodies are responsible for co-ordinating work and cross border co-operation in areas such as Trade, Waterways and others.

The Cross Border Agencies are :

• Food Safety Promotion Board
• Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission
• InterTradeIreland
• Special European Union Programmes Body
• The North/South Language BodyWaterways Ireland

Tourism Ireland Ltd was also established as a result of the Belfast Agreement.

It brings together the NI Tourist Board and the Irish Tourist Board to promote tourism on a joint basis.

IRELAND AND NORTHERN IRELAND

Key purchasers:

Each of the Agencies

As the agencies are relatively new, purchasing requirements and structures are not yet finalised.

At this stage consultancy and general office requirements are the key purchases.

The Northern Ireland based agencies may use the services of the Central Procurement Directorate.