Recommendation 20

We are aware of work already underway to strengthen the behaviours and working practices within the Strand One institutions. We concur with the argument that institutions can only be made effective by those who inhabit them and in this regard we endorse efforts to improve behaviours and best practice among MLAs in both the Assembly and Executive, as well as practical suggestions to improve the smooth and effective functioning of government in Northern Ireland. We recognise that improvements can only come with sustained attention over time, and so we recommend that the Government incorporates into the Review a module on how the behaviours and working practices of the Strand One institutions could be improved, with a view to developing a programme dedicated to upholding the Agreement’s core principles of good faith, trust and mutual respect and delivering good government in the best interests of all in Northern Ireland.