Recommendation 29

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 also recognises the huge contribution that civic society played in creating the conditions for the Agreement to be signed, and in supporting the institutions since 1998. Throughout the Anniversary year, ministers and officials spoke to civic society groups, local community groups, women’s groups, groups of young people, from all Northern Ireland’s communities including those from minority backgrounds. We heard directly community views on the functioning of the institutions and areas where communities felt they were not seeing the benefits of the peace and prosperity promised when the Agreement was signed. 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.