This formal North-South co-operation has been advanced in an open, transparent and business-like manner. All Council decisions are by agreement between the two sides. The Northern Minister participating in a meeting of the Council is always accompanied by a Minister from the other tradition. In this way, North-South co-operation, which at times has been fraught with political difficulties and characterised by fear of hidden agendas, has been able to proceed in a calm, non-controversial, almost routine fashion. I acknowledge the full and constructive role that the Ulster Unionist Ministers have played in this inclusive process.