Northern Ireland Office written question – answered at on 8 March 2018.
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ascertain the wishes of the people of Northern Ireland on (1) the current political impasse over the restoration of a Northern Ireland Executive, and (2) the implications of leaving the European Union; and whether those issues will be discussed through the establishment of a Civic Forum, as provided for under the Good Friday Agreement.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and her Ministerial team regularly meet the people of Northern Ireland, and with business and civic leaders, to hear their views about a range of issues. But we are clear that this is no substitute for a fully functional power-sharing Executive in place to represent the people of Northern Ireland and to advocate for the issues that matter to them.
The Government is fully committed to ensuring that, as the UK leaves the EU, the unique interests of Northern Ireland are protected and advanced. That is why we continue to work towards the resumption of stable devolved government. The UK Government will continue to advocate for Northern Ireland’s interests and needs at the heart of government.
The Belfast Agreement, the 1998 Northern Ireland Act, and all subsequent political agreements are clear that decisions about the Civic Forum are a devolved matter for the Executive and the Assembly.
Yes0 people think so
No0 people think not
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