Vol. 559 No. 5
50 Dr. Upton 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, proposed in the Good Friday Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26530/02]
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 on the island.
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. It involved a twice-yearly conference, alternating between North and South and comprising representatives of civil society on the island. 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. However, with suspension, the Northern Ireland Civic Forum has effectively ceased to operate. Our overriding priority at this time continues to be the early restoration of the institutions and, together with the parties and the British Government, we are continuing to work to this end. In this connection, I hope that it will also be possible to resume work on the establishment of the consultative forum as soon as possible.
Question No. 51 answered with Question No. 34.
