Select committee: Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
Recommendation 26
First Report - The effectiveness of the institutions of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement
Published 4 Dec 2023
Paragraph 155
Addressed to Northern Ireland Executive; Northern Ireland Office
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee The effectiveness of the institutions of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement All items in this report Report on parliament.uk ↗ Inquiry on parliament.uk ↗
Recommendation (the committee's words)
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.
From: Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, First Report - The effectiveness of the institutions of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement (HC 45), paragraph 155, 4 December 2023
Government response
The government responded to the whole report on 22 February 2024 (deadline 4 February 2024).
Summary written by Accountability Index from the government's response. It is not the government's own words.The government says that, given the recent restoration of the Executive, a review of the Agreement or amendment of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 "is not being considered at this time", while recognising the report's concerns about stability.
- On supermajority election of the Speaker and "Joint First Ministers", it says this would be "a significant departure" from the Agreement's original cross-community protections and would require "significant consultation and consideration".
- On the proposed review, it agrees that significant reform "would require widespread consent" and prefers that discussion is led by the people of Northern Ireland and their representatives.
- On the North/South Ministerial Council and implementation bodies, it says any review of Strand Two working practices "should be led by ministers in Northern Ireland and Ireland".
- On a Citizens' Assembly, it notes calls for more civic engagement and says it is "for the restored Executive to deliver" on the parties' New Decade New Approach commitment. It is "committed to continuing to listen to community views".