Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 Mar 2003

Vol. 562 No. 5

Written Answers - North-South Bodies.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

169 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress which has been made to date with regard to the establishment of a North-South independent consultative forum, as proposed in the Good Friday Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6435/03]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

The Good Friday Agreement provided that consideration be given to the establishment of an independent consultative forum appointed by the two administrations, North and South, and representative of civil society.

At the fourth plenary meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council, which took place in Armagh on 28 June 2002, an outline structure for the forum was agreed by the Council. This involved a twice yearly conference, alternating between North and South and comprising representatives of civil society. The planning and organisation of the first conference would be undertaken by a steering committee drawn from the Northern Ireland Civic Forum and the social partners in the South. The steering committee would also invite representatives from a range of relevant organisations, North and South, to participate in the conferences.

Some progress had been made on implementing this Council decision prior to the suspension of the Northern Ireland Assembly on 15 October 2002. With suspension further progress was not possible.

In the context of our continuing efforts to secure the early restoration of the institutions, I hope it will be possible to resume work on the establishment of the consultative forum at an early date.