§ 3. Ms Margaret Moran (Luton, South)When the Northern Ireland civic forum will be established. [49020]
§ The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office (Mr. Paul Murphy)My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has referred the establishment of the civic forum to the shadow assembly. In the period before devolution, the Government intend to consult the First Minister, the Deputy First Minister and the assembly so that arrangements can be put in hand to help secure its earliest appropriate establishment in parallel with progress made elsewhere.
§ Ms MoranAmong the death and destruction associated with Drumcree, is it not now more important than ever that support is given to those groups and individuals in civic society who seek to bring about accord, lasting prosperity and a positive view for the community's future? Does my hon. Friend agree that several of the Northern Ireland business community and women's groups working on the front line are to be commended for their work in that respect? Will he ensure 395 that they are fully supported and enabled to be involved in the civic forum to build a better future for Northern Ireland?
§ Mr. MurphyI agree entirely with my hon. Friend that the Churches, local business and commerce and the Northern Ireland trade unions will play a vital role in the civic forum. I pay tribute to the Church leaders, the Rev. Bingham, the leaders of business and commerce—Sir George Quigley of the Northern Ireland Economic Council and Mr. Chris Gibson of the Northern Ireland CBI—and the trade unions, all of whom have played a significant part in trying to reach a sensible accommodation over Drumcree. They truly reflect the wishes of the vast majority of the people of Northern Ireland, who have twice voted for a peaceful and stable society.
§ Mr. Peter Robinson (Belfast, East)May I bring the Minister back to the question on the Order Paper? What is the Government's thinking about appointments to the civic forum? Will they be made by the United Kingdom Government, the assembly in Northern Ireland, the First Minister and his deputy or someone else?
§ Mr. MurphyThe agreement makes it clear that it is a matter for the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister to lay down guidelines for appointments to the civic forum. They will be put to the assembly for its consideration and approval. However, during the talks, people were very much in favour of involving the organisations to which I referred in my previous answer—the Churches, the voluntary sector, women's groups, business and trade unions. I am sure that they will play a very important role in the life of Northern Ireland and a consultative role for the assembly in the years ahead.