Menu
25/02/2014
Cost Of Haass Talks Revealed
The cost of the Haass talks which took place last year has been revealed by the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister.
The delegations cost the taxpayer almost a quarter of a million pounds, it said.
Between July and December 2013, former American diplomat, Dr Richard Haass, and Professor Meghan O'Sullivan, who is an expert in international affairs, visited Northern Ireland on a number of occasions to hold discussions on some of the regions most contentious issues. These issues were flags, parades and the past. During the talks, both Haass and O'Sullivan met with NI's five main political parties, a number of community groups, organisations and individuals on how to come to an agreement.
A Christmas 2013 deadline was set, but no agreement was reached, and after a further seven drafts of a possible solution, Haass was unable to strike a deal with the politicians on how to move forward.
It is understood Dr Haass and Professor O'Sullivan offered their services for free, but the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister has now said that cost of the talks to taxpayers was £243,748.49.
Breaking it down, some £132,737.94 was spent on travel and accommodation, £21,800 on support staff and a further £89,210.55 on "associated administrative costs".
Northern Ireland's politicians continue to discuss the Haass proposals.
(JP/CD)
The delegations cost the taxpayer almost a quarter of a million pounds, it said.
Between July and December 2013, former American diplomat, Dr Richard Haass, and Professor Meghan O'Sullivan, who is an expert in international affairs, visited Northern Ireland on a number of occasions to hold discussions on some of the regions most contentious issues. These issues were flags, parades and the past. During the talks, both Haass and O'Sullivan met with NI's five main political parties, a number of community groups, organisations and individuals on how to come to an agreement.
A Christmas 2013 deadline was set, but no agreement was reached, and after a further seven drafts of a possible solution, Haass was unable to strike a deal with the politicians on how to move forward.
It is understood Dr Haass and Professor O'Sullivan offered their services for free, but the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister has now said that cost of the talks to taxpayers was £243,748.49.
Breaking it down, some £132,737.94 was spent on travel and accommodation, £21,800 on support staff and a further £89,210.55 on "associated administrative costs".
Northern Ireland's politicians continue to discuss the Haass proposals.
(JP/CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 September 2013
Orange March Request Criticised
An application by the Orange order to complete an 'unfinished' parade that began on 12 July this year has been criticised. The move follows a decision by the Parades Commission earlier this year to only let the Orange Order march through a predominantly Catholic area of north Belfast once.
Orange March Request Criticised
An application by the Orange order to complete an 'unfinished' parade that began on 12 July this year has been criticised. The move follows a decision by the Parades Commission earlier this year to only let the Orange Order march through a predominantly Catholic area of north Belfast once.
17 September 2013
Richard Haass Talks To Begin
American diplomat Richard Haass is to begin chairing cross-party talks in Belfast which are designed to resolve contentious political issues in the region. The talks will include parades, flags and Northern Ireland's past.
Richard Haass Talks To Begin
American diplomat Richard Haass is to begin chairing cross-party talks in Belfast which are designed to resolve contentious political issues in the region. The talks will include parades, flags and Northern Ireland's past.
04 October 2013
New Parades Commissioners Sought
The Northern Ireland Secretary has announced a process to recruit a new five-member Commission to adjudicate sensitive parades. The term of the current Parades Commission members is due to end on 31 December 2013, however Theresa Villiers said new members may be found sooner if a decision can be made during the Haass talks.
New Parades Commissioners Sought
The Northern Ireland Secretary has announced a process to recruit a new five-member Commission to adjudicate sensitive parades. The term of the current Parades Commission members is due to end on 31 December 2013, however Theresa Villiers said new members may be found sooner if a decision can be made during the Haass talks.
15 January 2019
NI Parties Meet To Address Ongoing Political Impasse
Northern Ireland's political parties have met to discuss the ongoing political impasse, over two years since the institutions at Stormont collapsed. Alliance leader Naomi Long called for the meeting on Monday 14 January, and reiterated her request for an independent chair to oversee the new talks process.
NI Parties Meet To Address Ongoing Political Impasse
Northern Ireland's political parties have met to discuss the ongoing political impasse, over two years since the institutions at Stormont collapsed. Alliance leader Naomi Long called for the meeting on Monday 14 January, and reiterated her request for an independent chair to oversee the new talks process.
22 May 2018
Karen Bradley Urged To Restart Political Talks
Northern Ireland's Secretary of State Karen Bradley has been urged to restart political talks to restore devolution. MPs from the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee made the call after parties failed to make an agreement earlier this year.
Karen Bradley Urged To Restart Political Talks
Northern Ireland's Secretary of State Karen Bradley has been urged to restart political talks to restore devolution. MPs from the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee made the call after parties failed to make an agreement earlier this year.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Staying cold. Any freezing fog that has formed overnight will slowly thin and disperse during the morning. Otherwise dry and bright much of the day with perhaps the odd coastal shower in the north and east. Maximum temperature 4 °C.Tonight:Dry at first with cloud thickening from the south through the evening. The odd shower, wintry over high ground, over northern counties, becoming more persistent rain over Down and Antrim. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
