Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 April 2015
212. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline the progress to date on the establishment of a compact civic advisory panel, as outlined in the Stormont House Agreement; the role of this panel when established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13789/15]
View answerThe Stormont House Agreement recognizes the important role to be played by civil society. The Agreement provides specifically for the establishment of a civic advisory panel to ensure that civic voices are heard, and civic views are considered, in relation to key social, cultural and economic issues. The Agreement proposes that such a panel be established by June 2015. The panel will advise the Northern Ireland Executive as appropriate. In line with the Stormont House Agreement, establishing the civic advisory panel is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive. Work on this is being advanced through the regular NI Executive Party Leaders’ meetings on implementation of the Stormont House Agreement. The Government fully supports all efforts to ensure that civil society’s voice is heard and is included appropriately in policy formation.
