Source · Select Committees · Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
Recommendation 22
22
Rejected
Incorporate a comprehensive evaluation of NSMC structure and working practices into the institutions review.
Recommendation
We note with concern the weight of evidence which suggests that the potential for the Strand Two institutions to deliver meaningful cooperation on the island of Ireland for the benefit of all its citizens, North and South, has not been realised. However, we also commend efforts which have seen pragmatic cooperation outside of the formal structures of the institutions, with the benefits that have resulted. Nonetheless, we conclude that cooperation is best achieved through regular, formal, substantive participation in structures dedicated purely to the purpose of cooperation for mutual benefit, and we call for a renewed commitment on the part of the parties of Northern Ireland to realising the possibilities Strand Two created. To this end, we recommend that the Government incorporates into the Review a comprehensive evaluation of the structure and working practices of the NSMC and the implementation bodies, including the necessity or otherwise of the ministerial veto on attendance, such that maximum participation from the two administrations can be achieved and meaningful results delivered. (Paragraph 119) Strand Three - East/West institutions
Government Response Summary
The government rejected the recommendation to incorporate an evaluation of Strand Two institutions (NSMC and implementation bodies) into a review, stating that a review of the Agreement or amendment of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 is not being considered at this time. It added that any future review of Strand Two should be led by ministers in Northern Ireland and Ireland.
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.