The importance of building trust and improving community relations, tackling sectarianism and addressing segregation in Northern Ireland was acknowledged in the rights, identity and community section of the Joint Declaration published by the two Governments in 2003. The British Government was specifically mandated in the document to review good community relations and to bring forward a strategic and integrated good relations policy. The shared future initiative referred to by the Deputy was developed in response to this mandate.
The most recent shared future document, which was published on 21 March 2005, lays out a comprehensive approach to the promotion of good relations between the communities in Northern Ireland. As I outlined in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 336 of 2 November, the Government welcomes the overall approach recommended in the document and maintains an ongoing dialogue with the British Government on improving community relations in Northern Ireland. We also keep in touch with the situation at community level through regular engagement with local representatives, with members of the NGO and academic community and with representatives of the relevant official bodies.
The task of building a shared future is particularly important in dealing with the legacy of the conflict in Northern Ireland. In this regard, and in the context of acts of completion, both Governments gave a commitment at Weston Park in 2001, and in the Joint Declaration in 2003, to bring forward proposals within their respective legislative and constitutional frameworks to deal with the issue of "on-the-runs". While I appreciate there are concerns with regard to certain aspects of the proposals, I believe it appropriate that these issues be addressed at this time. We will, of course, wish to ensure that the proposals do not impede the task of establishing the truth with regard to the large number of unsolved cases in Northern Ireland. I believe however that, properly handled, and in the context of a comprehensive approach, this process can help to bring about closure.