I support the establishment of a Civic Forum which would provide for a broad range of voices on community relations and stimulate informed public debate in relation to key societal challenges. On my regular visits to Northern Ireland, I continue the practice of engaging with civil society representatives.
In my ongoing contacts with the Secretary of State, including on 6 February last, I raise full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, including the establishment of a Civic Forum.
In the context of the North-South Ministerial Council, most recently at our Plenary Meeting on 8 November 2013, the Government expressed support for the re-establishment of the Civic Forum as a valuable and, as yet, unimplemented provision of the Good Friday Agreement.
The Government is of the view that a strong and resilient civic society can play an important role in providing positive and constructive challenge to the political process and in building a more reconciled and prosperous Northern Ireland.