Irish Times
Propositions on Heads of Agreement
12 January, 1998
 
 
Full text of the document released today by the British and Irish
Governments: (12 January, 1998)

Balanced constitutional change, based on commitment to the principle
of consent in all its aspects by both British and Irish Governments, to
include both changes to the Irish Constitution and to British
constitutional legislation.

Democratically elected institutions in Northern Ireland, to include a
Northern Ireland Assembly, elected by a system of proportional
representation, exercising devolved executive and legislative
responsibility over at least the responsibilities of the six Northern
Ireland Departments, and with provisions to ensure that all sections
of the community can participate and work together successfully in the
operation of these institutions and that all sections of the community
are protected.

A new British-Irish Agreement to replace the existing Anglo-Irish
Agreement and help establish close co-operation and enhance
relationships, embracing:
 

An intergovernmental Council to deal with the totality of
relationships, to include representatives of the British and Irish
Governments, the Northern Ireland Administration and the devolved
institutions in Scotland and Wales, with meeting twice a year at Summit
level.

A North/South Ministerial Council to bring together those with
executive responsibilities in Northern Ireland and the Irish Government
in particular areas. Each side will consult, so-operate and take
decisions on matters of mutual interest within the mandate of, and
accountable to, the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Oireachtas
respectively. All decisions will be by agreement between the two sides,
North and South.

Suitable implementation bodies and mechanisms for policies agreed by
the North/South Council in meaningful areas and at an all-island level.

Standing intergovernmental machinery between the Irish and British
Governments, covering issues of mutual interest, including
non-devolved issues for Northern Ireland, when representatives of the
Northern Ireland Administration would be involved. Provision to
safeguard the rights of both communities in Northern Ireland, through
arrangements for the comprehensive protection of fundamental human,
civil, political, social , economic and cultural rights, including a
Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland supplementing the provisions of the
European Convention and to achieve full respect for the principles of
equity of treatment and freedom from discrimination, and the cultural
identity and ethos of both communities. Appropriate steps to ensure an
equivalent level of protection in the Republic.

Effective and practical measures to establish and consolidate an
acceptable peaceful society, dealing with issues such as prisoners,
security in all its aspects, policing and decommissioning of weapons.

c Copyright: The Irish Times Contact: [email protected]

 Back
Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

1