Draft Deal To Restore Stormont Published

A draft deal to restore powersharing at Stormont has been published by the UK and Irish governments.

It's hoped the Northern Ireland Assembly could be up and running by today, Friday 10 January, if the parties agree to the 'New Decade, New Approach' proposal.

Neither the DUP or Sinn Fein have publicly agreed to the proposals as yet.

Text of the new deal, available online, reveals that parties have committed to measures which will end ongoing industrial action by healthcare staff immediately. This includes pay parity, a new action plan on waiting times and delivering much needed reforms on health and social care.

Reforms to the health service, education and justice will be prioritised by a new Executive, as well as important improvements in transparency and accountability, and in how civil servants, ministers and special advisers conduct themselves.

Two main stumbling blocks to the restoration of the Assembly, following the breakdown of relations in January 2017, were calls for reform of the petition of concern and an Irish Language Act.

The proposed deal would see "meaningful reform" of the petition bringing it "closer to it's original role", meaning it will no longer serve as a veto for one party.

In terms of an Irish Language Act, a new Office for Identity and Cultural Expression would promote cultural diversity and inclusion across all identities and cultures alongside a Commissioner to enhance and develop the language, arts and literature associated with the Ulster Scots / Ulster British tradition in Northern Ireland.

Secretary of State Julian Smith has asked the Speaker to hold an Assembly sitting at noon today. He said: "This is a moment of truth for the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement. It is a fair and balanced deal that will ensure key decisions about peoples' lives can be made.

"It immediately ends the health strike, focuses on reforms to health and social care, ensures more sustainable institutions, better politics and greater transparency and a new framework on language, arts and literature.

"I urge the parties to come together and to form an Executive in the best interests of NI."

Tánaiste, Simon Coveney TD said the deal is based on the extensive discussions and collective work undertaken by the parties since May last year, following the murder of journalist Lyra McKee.

Ms McKee was murdered by the New IRA in April last year, while observing a night of dissident republican riots in L'Derry.

He added: "The Governments believe that it represents a fair and balanced package. There is no need, and no public patience, for more process and more discussions.

"It is time for political leadership and a collective commitment to making politics work for people."

In response, DUP Leader Arlene Foster said the proposal represents a "fair and balanced way" to restore powersharing.

Sinn Fein, meanwhile, are giving the text careful consideration. President Mary Lou McDonald said: "We are studying the text and will give it careful consideration."

The parties had been working to a deadline of next Monday to restore the institutions.



(JG/CM)