Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 October 2014
166. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he discussed with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State and-or with members of the Northern Ireland Executive, the need to establish the North-South consultative forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37536/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraA North South Consultative Forum was provided for in the Good Friday Agreement and the St Andrews Agreement provided further that the Northern Ireland Executive would support the establishment of an independent North/South Consultative Forum. In September 2008, the Irish Government submitted proposals for the role, format, membership and operation of a North South Consultative Forum to the Executive for its consideration, and facilitated three consultative conferences, the most recent of which was in January 2011. The Government awaits a response from the Executive.
Civil society has played an important role in the transformation of Northern Ireland. At the recent Reconciliation Networking Forum which I hosted in Dublin Castle on 15 September, and which brought together a diverse array of community groups and NGOs funded by my Department’s Reconciliation Fund, it was clear that there is considerable support for a strong and enabling North South Consultative Civic Forum.
The Taoiseach has raised the establishment of a Forum at each Plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council he has attended and it is on the agenda for the forthcoming meeting on 3 October 2014.
