Source · Select Committees · Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
Recommendation 9
9
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 55
Strand One institutions achieve effective legislative output and key industry development during stable periods.
Conclusion
In spite of their instability—owed in part to stringent cross-community safeguards— the institutions have shown that they can be effective in terms of legislative output. During periods of relative stability, by that metric the Assembly arguably outperforms its counterparts in Scotland and Wales. Evidence also shows that the institutions have presided over the development of key industries in Northern Ireland. We commend this achievement and recognise that the institutions can constitute an active legislature and that their work has led to good policy outcomes in certain areas.
Government Response Summary
The government welcomes the report and shares the sentiment, acknowledging the significance and transformative impact of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.
Paragraph Reference:
55
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government (UKG) welcomes the Committee’s inquiry into the effectiveness of the institutions of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement (‘the Agreement’), which is at the heart of Northern Ireland’s constitutional arrangements. The report was published in the twenty-fifth anniversary year of the Agreement, which was marked with reflection on the significance of the Agreement, and the transformative impact it has had in Northern Ireland. The Government shares the sentiment in the report that the culmination of the peace process in the Agreement was not inevitable and that it required “considerable bravery and leadership” from across different communities and perspectives.