Neale Richmond
Question:137. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the All Ireland consultative forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34411/20]
View answerThursday, 5 November 2020
Questions (137)
Written answers
The concept of an independent consultative forum was first established under Strand 2 of the Good Friday Agreement. Under the St Andrews Agreement, support by the Northern Ireland Executive for “the establishment of an independent North/South consultative forum appointed by the two Administrations and representative of civil society” was confirmed.
At its June 2002 Plenary meeting, the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) formally agreed to the establishment of the North South Consultative Forum and an outline structure. Membership of the Forum was to come from the Northern Ireland Civic Forum which had been set up in October 2000 and the social partners.
The Government has since worked to move the issue forward, submitting proposals in 2008 for the role, format, membership and operation of a North/South Consultative Forum to the Northern Ireland Executive for its consideration. However, the Forum has not yet been established.
The issue of the establishment of the North South Consultative Forum has regularly been raised at plenary meeting of the NSMC since July 2007, with the Government encouraging its establishment.
The issue of establishing the North South Consultative Forum is also a matter that has been considered by the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, and remains as an outstanding commitment of both the Good Friday Agreement and St. Andrews Agreement. The Government will continue to work to have the matter progressed through the appropriate forums.