§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the remit, staffing, budget and work programme of the community relations unit.
§ Dr. Mawhinney[holding answer 2 November 1987]: The main roles of the unit are: to examine all major policy initiatives from the point of view of their possible impact on community relations; to review at appropriate intervals the impact on community relations of existing major policies and programmes; to develop new ideas about improving community relations and about how best to support those on the ground who are working to improve community relations.
696WThe unit is staffed by two full-time officers and two senior officers who devote part of their time to directing the work of the unit. The unit has a part-time academic adviser, Professor John Darby, head of the centre for the study of conflict at the University of Ulster. The budget for 1987–88 is £26,000.00.
The unit does not have an operational budget and any policies formulated through the new arrangements and approved by the Secretary of State will be sponsored or carried out by the Department or Departments directly concerned.
Since its formation on 1 October 1987 the unit has been making contact with a very wide range of people and organisations involved or with an interest in community relations issues. It is now examining major policy submissions to Ministers which could have a significant effect on community relations. The unit has also begun work on a short-list of possible policy areas for review and an analysis is being undertaken of the available date on community relations issues and about the need to initiate further research.
§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the progress achieved by the community relations unit within his Department.
§ Dr. Mawhinney[holding answer 2 December 1987]: The unit became operational only on 1 October 1987 and it would be much too soon to make a progress statement.
The unit has, however, been making contact with a very wide range of people and organisations involved or with an interest in community relations issues. It is beginning to examine major departmental policy submissions which could have a significant effect on community relations.