Dr. Tony WrightTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will publish a list of (1) task forces and (2) policy reviews established by her Department since May 1997 which(a) had external members recruited by way of public advertisement, and details of any person so appointed and (b) engaged in public consultation exercises, and the form that these took. [74471]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyThe information for the Northern Ireland Office and the Northern Ireland Departments is as follows:
(a) Nil
109WMost task forces and reviews are shortߝterm bodies established to give thorough consideration to important and difficult issues. External members are invited to sit on some reviews and task forces because they are able to contribute specific experience and expertise. In such cases, public advertising would be inappropriate and disproportionate.
(b) Task forces/review groups Public consultation exercises DED Economic Development Services Review Advertisement in newspapers and associated press release inviting comment. Economic Development Strategy Review A consultation panel, with representation from some 60 organisations (academic, business, trade union, voluntary and community sectors) was established. Three meetings of the panel have been held and members were also invited to make written contributions. Working Group to plan for a single NI Equality Commission Consultation paper issued to some 220 organisations/individuals on 2 February 1999. Seminar held on 19 February. New Deal in Northern Ireland Consultation Seminars, which focused on the design of New Deal for 18–24 year olds, took place at a number of venues throughout Northern ireland during October and November 1997. Review of Training Centres and FE Colleges Report and Consultation Paper on the Review's findings and recommendations published in September 1998 with comments invited. DENI Youth Service Policy Review Group 'Initial Considerations' consultation paper was published in January 1998 and a 'Youth Service Policy Review—A Consultation Report' in October 1998. These were launched at a one-day Conference for young people and at a launch event for delegates from the statutory and voluntary youth sectors respectively. DHSS Review of the District Councils' Community Services Programme Written submissions invited from relevant interests including Political Parties. Focus group meetings held with voluntary and community groups, District Councils' Community Services Officers, and key informants. Strategy for Reducing Alcohol Related Harm in Northern Ireland-A Policy Development Project Advertisements in local newspapers requesting contributions; letters sent to 587 'key stakeholders' asking for contributions and to identify other people/organisations who might have an interest; three workshops with key stakeholders; a series of seven focus groups, five with ex-addiction service users and two with young people; and a 'mini' consultation exercise where initial proposals were sent out to all 587 stakeholders for comment.