Source · Select Committees · Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
Recommendation 20
20
Rejected
Paragraph: 103
Incorporate a module into the Review on improving Strand One institutions' behaviours and practices.
Recommendation
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.
Government Response Summary
The government rejects incorporating a module on improving the behaviours and working practices of Strand One institutions into a review, as a review of the Agreement is not being considered at this time.
Paragraph Reference:
103
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
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.