Conclusions of Meeting with the Joint Unionist Delegations on 8 May at 16:23

Government Proposal:

At the conclusion of strand one in Belfast the next stage of the process would be launched in London as strand two but be designed only as a transitional or temporary stopping off point before returning to NI and operating outside the bounds of the Stormont Estate; strand two would be signed off at a meeting in Dublin. There would then follow the first meeting of strand three, in the Republic's capital - thus allowing the Unionists an initial opportunity to put proposals, as they had publicly stated previously they would do, to both Governments.

Strand 2 would not move from the NI location to Dublin unless essential agreement was reached. The meeting at the end of Strand 2 in Dublin would be in the form of a short assembly to agree conclusions reached before moving directly into Strand 3.

Initial Unionist Reflections on the Proposal:

The Unionists might not object to the Irish Government attending meetings at Stormont, and the Dublin location should be the British Embassy.

Initial Unionist Reflections on the Proposal:

The Unionists might not object to the Irish Government attending meetings at Stormont, and the Dublin location should be the British Embassy.

In response, potential locations within NI for Strand 2 were named by the Minister of State as the Harbour Commissioners' premises and Cultra Manor.

Strand 3 Arrangements:

The DUP wished this strand to meet only in Dublin. Practically, the UK Government believed that Strand 3 would need to meet in both London and Dublin.

Nothing is Agreed Until Everything Is Agreed:

The purpose of Strand 3 was to address relations between London and Dublin. However, a total package between all the participants could not be agreed until everything was agreed. This should offer reassurance to the parties that their interests would be reflected in this part of the process.