Source · Select Committees · Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
Recommendation 26
26
Rejected
Paragraph: 155
Make preparations for the comprehensive institutions Review as soon as possible after restoration.
Recommendation
We understand the logic in waiting for the institutions to get back up and running before embarking on a significant review and/or reform process. If the position of the two Governments and the majority of the Northern Ireland parties is that some measure of stability has to precede the Review—which as we have set out must be comprehensive and systematic—then we would accept that. However, we contend that there will be no perfect time to embark on a reform process and the fact remains that it is unclear when the institutions will return. In view of the danger presented by increased separation of opinion between the political classes and the general public, we urge the Government to take heed of the groundswell of opinion that is moving towards institutional change, act upon our recommendations to bolster the institutions’ viability in the short to medium term, and make preparations for the Review as soon as possible thereafter. Furthermore, given the recent history of collapses of the institutions, a review remains desirable after restoration to increase their stability and reduce the risk of future breakdowns.
Government Response Summary
The government rejects making preparations for a comprehensive review of the Agreement as soon as possible, stating that a review or amendment is not being considered at this time following the restoration of the devolved institutions.
Paragraph Reference:
155
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
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.