Vol. 502 No. 6
93 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he suggested to the Northern Secretary, Dr. Mowlam, the merits of her acceding to a request from the De Borda Institute for a meeting regarding voting mechanisms designed to assist in conflict resolution and building trust; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5019/99]
Voting mechanisms for the Northern Ireland Assembly elections, the election of the First and Deputy First Ministers and the distribution of Executive posts were agreed in the Good Friday Agreement. That Agreement was subsequently endorsed overwhelmingly by the people of Ireland in referendums, North and South.
The Government would not support any request to change the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, which it believes is fair and balanced and contains adequate guarantees against domination by any party or group.
While the De Borda Institute has been in contact with the Department of Foreign Affairs in relation to their proposals regarding voting mechanisms, I have not discussed them with the Secretary of State. Clearly a decision as to whether she should meet the Institute is a matter for the Secretary of State herself.
