Source · Select Committees · Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
Recommendation 11
11
Acknowledged
Northern Ireland's institutional design and political realities hinder government effectiveness.
Conclusion
While the design of the institutions—primarily through the use of vetoes and a system of mandatory coalition—stymies the effectiveness of government in Northern Ireland, we also recognise that the success of the institutions in turn depends on the political will of the actors who inhabit them and the working relationships between those actors. Structural weaknesses do not make the institutions inherently ineffective, but when compounded with political realities in Northern Ireland, a poor and highly unsatisfactory record is likely. The achievement of good government in Northern Ireland is a process rather than an event, and too often successor agreements have been seen merely as a means to end impasses and not as binding obligations to deliver on promised outcomes. (Paragraph 71) Strand One - options for reform
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the challenges concerning the stability of the Northern Ireland institutions and the need for reforms to command widespread community support. It states that a review of the Agreement is not being considered at this time, but recognises the report's articulation of governance challenges.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Rejected for now. Given the recent restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive, a review of the Agreement, or amendment of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 is not being considered at this time. While the Government’s focus has been firmly on the immediate restoration of the devolved institutions, we do recognise the challenges the report identifies concerning the stability of the institutions. Any discussion of reforms, including on the subject of timing, should be carefully considered and command the support of the whole community in Northern Ireland. The Agreement has been vital, and it should continue to be a living document. Any significant reform requires widespread consent, led by the people of Northern Ireland and their representatives. Voices from the UK or Irish Governments should not be at the forefront of calls for reform. Matters relating to Strand One institutions remain a matter for the UK Government along with the NI parties. The Committee’s recommendation for the review to include the institutions’ ability to provide effective and stable government with broad cross-community inclusion is noted; cross-community protections are vital, and any movement away from the current system requires whole community support. Regarding Strand Three (PM attendance at BIIGC/BIC), these bodies already meet regularly, and the Prime Minister attended in 2022; the Government is committed to utilising Strand Three to its full potential. For Strand Two (NSMC/implementation bodies), we are committed to upholding all strands, but any review of Strand Two should be led by ministers in Northern Ireland and Ireland. The Government recognises the interest in a Citizen’s Assembly and civic engagement, and has listened to community views. It notes that the Northern Ireland Assembly and local councils are democratically chosen representative bodies. The Government welcomes the Committee’s recognition of the success of the 38th summit of the British-Irish Council in November 2022.