Source · Select Committees · Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
Recommendation 25
25
Acknowledged
Public dissatisfaction with Strand One institutions necessitates formal debate and significant reform.
Conclusion
It is clear from our own commissioned research—and that undertaken by others— that there is widespread public dissatisfaction with the stability and effectiveness of the Strand One institutions. There is also evidence of growing dissatisfaction with The effectiveness of the institutions of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement 79 the emphasis placed on cross-community safeguards in the institutions, despite a recognition that these measures were a fundamental element of the Agreement. On that account, a measure of caution is still shown toward a drastic departure from those arrangements, with mixed levels of knowledge on the possible options for reform. Nonetheless, there is clear and compelling evidence that much of the public are further ahead of, and more open to change than, much of the political class. As such, we conclude that, given the right support, a formal informed public debate is essential to the substantive development of the Agreement’s institutions, and there is significant majority support for reform of some kind to the Strand One institutions. (Paragraph 147) Routes forward
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the public's dissatisfaction and interest in reform, committing to continuing to listen to community views but emphasizing that discussions on reforms should be led by the people of Northern Ireland and their representatives.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
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 in this context, and should command the support of the whole community in Northern Ireland. The Agreement has been vital in enabling progress and peace, but it is also important that it continues to be a living document that always serves the interests of the people of Northern Ireland. The Government also agrees with the Committee that any significant reform to the Agreement would require widespread consent. Securing local consensus in Northern Ireland depends on achieving that balance of cross-community consent, and therefore the Government’s preference is that this discussion is led by the people of Northern Ireland and their representatives. Voices from the UK or Irish Governments should not be at the forefront of any calls for reform. Matters relating to the Strand One institutions are, and will remain, a matter for the UK Government along with the NI parties. The Committee recommends that the review includes consideration of “the institutions’ ability to provide effective and stable government in Northern Ireland, with broad cross- community inclusion”. The cross- community protections are a vital part of this. Whilst the Committee identifies that reform to these cross-community protections may enable greater stability, it is important that any movement away from the current system of cross-community consent commands the support of the whole community. The Committee recommends the establishment of a Citizen’s Assembly in Northern Ireland to ensure the voices of the people of Northern Ireland are heard. The Government recognises the deep sense of ownership of the Agreement felt by many people in Northern Ireland, and the strong interest amongst citizens in being involved in discussions around the future of the Agreement and the institutions it established. The Government is committed to continuing to listen to community views on this topic. We have noted the calls for more mechanisms for civic or citizen engagement, and the commitments made by the parties in the New Decade New Approach deal. It is for the restored Executive to deliver on the parties’ commitment. 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. However, the report articulates challenges to the stability of governance, which the Government recognises.