Proposals for a Comprehensive Agreement

Export agreement:

Export agreement coding (PDF)

Country/entity: Ireland
United Kingdom
Northern Ireland
Region: Europe and Eurasia
Agreement name: Proposals for a Comprehensive Agreement
Date: 8 Dec 2004
Agreement status: Agreement with subsequent status
Interim arrangement: Yes
Agreement/conflict level: Interstate/intrastate conflict(s)
Northern Ireland Conflict (1968 - 1998)
Commonly referred to as ‘the Troubles’, the most recent conflict over the territory of Northern Ireland can be framed as beginning in 1968 and ending with the Belfast Agreement (also known as the Good Friday Agreement) in 1998. While the genesis of the conflict was closely related to pressures for the state to reform with relation to discrimination against the (minority) Catholic population, the core issue of the conflict as it proceeded was the constitutional status of Northern Ireland, which was contested between the unionist/loyalist (mostly Protestant) majority, who wanted the territory to remain as part of the United Kingdom, and the nationalist/republican (mostly Catholic) minority, whose goal was to unite the six provincial counties with the Republic of Ireland. The thirty years prior to the Belfast or Good Friday Agreement were marked by inter-communal violence, active paramilitary groups, and the deployment of the British army in the province. Mediation by international actors, and dialogue between the British and Irish governments, and between the IRA and its representatives and the British Government eventually resulted in a ceasefire respected by the majority of combatants. Talks led to the Belfast or Good Friday Agreement which established a power-sharing system of governance between nationalist and unionist communities.
Stage: Implementation/renegotiation
Conflict nature: Government/territory
Peace process: Northern Ireland peace process
Parties: UK government, Irish Government
Third parties: -
Description: Presented by the British and Irish Governments in December 2004. These proposals had been agreed to by the political parties in Northern Ireland, however, since differences remained over the process to be used to verify the decommissioning of paramilitary weapons, final agreement was not reached and the Comprehensive Agreement was not implemented. However, it contained British-Irish agreement on how the issue should be dealt with, and set the basis for later agreements. The proposal and governmental appendicse have been coded as the agreement. A number of statements were appended by the parties which indicated their levels of support but have not been coded.

Agreement document: UK_IE_041208_Proposals for a Comprehensive Agreement.pdf (opens in new tab) | Download PDF

Groups

Children/youth: No specific mention.
Disabled persons: No specific mention.
Elderly/age: No specific mention.
Migrant workers: No specific mention.
Racial/ethnic/national group: No specific mention.
Religious groups: No specific mention.
Indigenous people: No specific mention.
Other groups: No specific mention.
Refugees/displaced persons: No specific mention.
Social class: No specific mention.

Gender

Women, girls and gender: No specific mention.
Men and boys: No specific mention.
LGBTI: No specific mention.
Family: No specific mention.

State definition

Nature of state (general): No specific mention.
State configuration: No specific mention.
Self determination: No specific mention.
Referendum: No specific mention.
State symbols: No specific mention.
Independence/secession: No specific mention.
Accession/unification: No specific mention.
Border delimitation: No specific mention.
Cross-border provision: Page 10, ANNEX B: Proposals by the British and Irish Governments for changes in Strands Two and Three institutions following the review, 1.
Executive role in preparation for NSMC and BIC meetings. The amendment to the Northern Ireland Act 1998 on a ministerial Code, described in the British Government’s Strand One proposals, would bear on Executive proceedings relating to the North-South Ministerial Council and British-Irish Council.

Page 10, ANNEX B: Proposals by the British and Irish Governments for changes in Strands Two and Three institutions following the review, 2.
The Code would provide that draft NSMC and BIC decision papers would be circulated to all Executive members within a period (to be decided by the Executive) in advance of a scheduled NSMC or BIC meeting. Any member of the Executive would have the right to seek an Executive discussion on such a paper. Notwithstanding the lead Minister’s executive authority in his/her area of responsibility as defined in the Agreement, where the Code
provided that certain matters should be considered/agreed in the Executive Committee (see paragraphs 3 to 5 of the British Government’s Strand One proposals), this would apply to any draft NSMC/BIC decision papers falling within those agreed provisions.

Page 10, ANNEX B: Proposals by the British and Irish Governments for changes in Strands Two and Three institutions following the review, 3.
Attendance at NSMC and BIC. Amendments to the 1998 Act would provide for a minister with lead departmental interest in an issue under consideration at an NSMC/BIC meeting to be entitled to attend (with a power for a minister so entitled, by consent, to arrange for another minister attending to discharge his/her responsibilities), and a power for the
FM/DFM to adjudicate where a Minister’s lead departmental interest was disputed. There would also be a statutory obligation on FM/DFM to nominate for attendance at NSMC/BIC a replacement for a lead Minister if that Minister was not proposing to attend the meeting in question, and had not arranged for a replacement Minister to discharge his/her responsibilities. There would be a statutory power for the FM/DFM to require such relevant information from the lead department as would be necessary for the NSMC/BIC meeting in question. Finally, reflecting the existing requirement for representation of the Executive on a cross-community basis at meetings of the NSMC/BIC, there would be a statutory obligation on the FM/DFM to nominate the other Minister whose presence is necessary to fulfil that requirement.

Page 10-11, ANNEX B: Proposals by the British and Irish Governments for changes in Strands Two and Three institutions following the review, 4.
NSMC/BIC agendas. The relevant legislation would be amended as necessary to make clear that where a matter on the agenda for a meeting of the NSMC or BIC was one outside the responsibilities of a Minister due to attend, because it was outside his or her departmental responsibilities and not covered by a transfer of authority from another Minister, it would be subject to a decision of the Assembly.

Page 11, ANNEX B: Proposals by the British and Irish Governments for changes in Strands Two and Three institutions following the review, 5.
Review. The Northern Ireland Executive and Irish Government, under the auspices of the NSMC, would appoint a Review Group to examine objectively (1) the efficiency and value for money of existing implementation bodies and (2) the case for additional bodies and areas of co-operation within the NSMC where mutual benefit would be derived. The Group would also input into the work commissioned by the NSMC in June 2002 on the identification of a suitable substitute for the proposed Lights Agency of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission. The Group would report with recommendations to the NSMC. Any changes to the existing arrangements would require the specific endorsement of the Assembly and Oireachtas. In the meantime, the NSMC would continue to oversee the ongoing work of the Implementation Bodies and work in the areas of co-operation.

Page 11, ANNEX B: Proposals by the British and Irish Governments for changes in Strands Two and Three institutions following the review, 6.
Assembly/Oireachtas scrutiny of implementation bodies. Chairs and Chief Executives of North/South bodies, when called upon and at least yearly, would appear before relevant Assembly Committees. There is provision in the South for similar arrangements in relation to the Oireachtas.

Page 11, ANNEX B: Proposals by the British and Irish Governments for changes in Strands Two and Three institutions following the review, 7.
North-South Parliamentary Forum. The Northern Ireland Executive would encourage the parties in the Assembly to establish a North-South parliamentary forum bringing together equal numbers from the Oireachtas and the Assembly, and operating on an inclusive basis.

Page 11, ANNEX B: Proposals by the British and Irish Governments for changes in Strands Two and Three institutions following the review, 8.
Independent Consultative Forum. The Northern Ireland Executive would support the establishment of an independent North/South consultative forum appointed by the two Administrations and representative of civil society.

Page 11, ANNEX B: Proposals by the British and Irish Governments for changes in Strands Two and Three institutions following the review, 9.
Secretariat of British-Irish Council. Following consultation with its other members, and with a view to giving further impetus to its work, the two Governments would facilitate the establishment of a standing secretariat for the British-Irish Council, if members agree.

Page 11, ANNEX B: Proposals by the British and Irish Governments for changes in Strands Two and Three institutions following the review, 10.
East-West Interparliamentary Framework. Following appropriate consultation with the British-Irish Interparliamentary Body, the two Governments would encourage the Oireachtas, the British Parliament and the relevant elected institutions to approve an East-West Interparliamentary Framework which would embrace all their interests. The framework would operate on an inclusive basis.

Governance

Political institutions (new or reformed): Governance→Political institutions (new or reformed)→General references
Page 2, Political Institutions, 5.
The Governments and the parties have been anxious to see the earliest possible ending of the suspension of the Northern Ireland Institutions. In addition, based on the extensive discussions in the Review, the Governments have made an assessment of what changes to the operation of certain aspects of the Agreement would be broadly acceptable to the parties. Based on this assessment, the British Government will lift suspension in February 2005 once legislation has been introduced in the British Parliament to amend a number of aspects of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and related legislation. This legislation will also provide for the removal of the power of suspension. This will enable the institutional changes outlined in the attached annex to come into effect before the formation of the new Executive.

Page 2, Political Institutions, 6.
To allow the parties to prepare adequately for the re-establishment of the political institutions, the British Government will also introduce legislation in December to allow the formation of a shadow Assembly. This shadow period will take effect on the completion of IRA decommissioning, at the beginning of January. Prior to this shadow period, following the IICD statement that the decommissioning process has commenced, it is envisaged that names of candidates for First and Deputy First Minister will be made public by the appropriate parties.

Page 6, ANNEX B, Proposals by the British Government for changes in Strand One
institutions following the review, Introduction, 1.
...The Pledge of Office requires Ministers to act in accordance with Executive and Assembly decisions. In the case of the NSMC and BIC, this is an explicit statutory duty, as is the report to the Assembly which Ministers must make after such meetings; The current ministerial code requires Ministers to bring to the Executive for consideration and agreement certain matters (including those cutting across ministerial responsibilities, requiring agreement on prioritisation or adoption of a common position, or having implications for the Programme for Government); Committees of the Assembly have a right to summon and question Ministers on any aspect of their responsibilities. It was also the practice in the former Executive that Ministers brought for consideration there all proposals for public consultation on significant issues, primary and secondary legislation, significant policy proposals and announcements and decisions which were likely to be controversial. Ministers also circulated all papers which it was proposed to table at NSMC/BIC meetings in advance to other Ministers to enable any matter of concern to be brought to an Executive meeting for consideration.

Page 8, ANNEX B: Proposals, 6.
Assembly referrals for Executive review. An amendment to the 1998 Act would provide for referrals from the Assembly to the Executive of important ministerial decisions. Thirty members of the Assembly might initiate such a referral, within seven days of a ministerial decision or notification of the decision where appropriate. Before he could pass the referral to the Executive, the Presiding Officer, following consultation with the parties in the Assembly, would be required to certify that it concerned an issue of public importance. The Executive would consider the issue within seven days. A second referral could not be made by the Assembly in respect of the same matter. Only matters covered by the Ministerial Code, as set out above, would require a collective decision by the Executive.

Page 8, ANNEX B: Proposals, 7.
Reflecting the Pledge of Office, the 1998 Act would be amended to require a Minister to act in accordance with any relevant decisions of the Executive and/or Assembly.

Page 8, ANNEX B: Proposals, 9.
Assembly approval of Ministers in the Executive. An amendment would be made to the 1998 Act on appointment of Ministers in the Executive. The Nominating Officer of the largest party in the largest designation in the Assembly would first make a nomination to the Assembly Presiding Officer for the post of First Minister. The Nominating Officer of the largest party in the second largest designation in the Assembly would similarly nominate for the post of Deputy First Minister. The d’Hondt procedure would then run, as already set out in the 1998 Act, to fill the Ministerial posts in the Executive. The Presiding Officer would put to the Assembly an Executive Declaration listing the entire resulting Executive (FM, DFM and Ministers). The Executive Declaration would require approval by the 50:50:50 criterion. In order to uphold the right of every party, so entitled by its electoral strength, to nominate an MLA of its choice for ministerial office, only one Executive Declaration could be tabled by the Presiding Officer. If approval was not achieved within six weeks from the date on which the Assembly first met, there would, as under the present procedures, be a new Assembly election. No minister would be allowed to remain in the Executive if he or she had not voted in favour of the Executive Declaration, and if the nominating officer of his or her party did not nominate another MLA who had done so, d’Hondt would be re-run excluding that party. Where a vacancy arose later in the office of the FM or DFM, the nominating officers of the parties entitled to nominate as above for the two offices would do so, following which the Presiding Officer would put to the Assembly a partial Executive Declaration, for approval by the 50:50:50 criterion. Where a vacancy arose in another ministerial office, it would be filled as at present. It will be a matter for the standing Institutional Review Committee referred to in paragraph 12 to consider whether the new procedures should continue beyond the life of the present Assembly.

Page 9, ANNEX B: Proposals, 11.
Committee of the Centre. An amendment to the 1998 Act would provide for the existing Assembly Committee of the Centre to be placed on a statutory footing like that of other departmental scrutiny committees.

Page 9, ANNEX B: Proposals, 12, Reviews
An amendment to the 1998 Act would provide for the Assembly to appoint a standing Institutional Review Committee, to examine the operational aspects of the Strand One institutions. Matters to be reviewed in this way would be agreed among the parties. The Committee’s reports would be considered by the Executive and Assembly, and, where agreed changes required legislative steps outside the scope of the devolved institutions, by
the British Government in consultation as appropriate with the Irish Government.

Page 9, ANNEX B: Proposals, 12, Reviews
...The First Minister and Deputy First Minister would appoint an Efficiency Review Panel, to examine efficiency and value for money of aspects of the Strand One institutions. The FM/DFM would put to the Assembly for approval proposals for the panel’s remit, which might include the size of the Assembly and the departmental structure. The Panel would take into account as appropriate the work of the Review of Public Administration. The Panel’s report would be considered by the Executive and Assembly, and, where agreed changes required legislative steps outside the scope of the devolved institutions, by the British Government in consultation as appropriate with the Irish Government.

[Summary: ANNEX B provides for cross-border ministerial bodies between the Northern Ireland Assembly, the Oireachtas and the British government. For full provisions see 'Cross-border provisions'.]
Elections: No specific mention.
Electoral commission: No specific mention.
Political parties reform: No specific mention.
Civil society: Page 11, ANNEX B: Proposals by the British and Irish Governments for changes in Strands Two and Three institutions following the review, 8.
Independent Consultative Forum. The Northern Ireland Executive would support the establishment of an independent North/South consultative forum appointed by the two Administrations and representative of civil society.
Traditional/religious leaders: No specific mention.
Public administration: No specific mention.
Constitution: Governance→Constitution→Constitution affirmation/renewal
Page 3, 3.
The Governments have made clear consistently that they remain committed to the fundamentals of the Agreement reached in 1998, including the need for consent to constitutional change, for absolute commitment to exclusively peaceful and democratic means, for stable inclusive partnership government, for a balanced institutional accommodation of the key relationships within Northern Ireland, between North and South and between these islands and for equality and human rights to be at the heart of the new dispensation in Northern Ireland. None of the parties in the review of the operation of the Agreement conducted this year have dissented from these fundamental elements.

Power sharing

Political power sharing: Power sharing→Political power sharing→General
Sub-state level
Page 1, 2.
Together with the fulfilment of the commitments of the two Governments relating to the full implementation of the Agreement, all of these issues have been addressed satisfactorily. There is now a basis on which we can look forward to the early restoration of the Assembly, with the prospect of stable and inclusive power-sharing government in Northern Ireland and the full operation of the North-South and East-West arrangements. The enabling steps to achieve these objectives are outlined in the annexed timetable.
Power sharing→Political power sharing→Executive coalition
Sub-state level
Page 7, Annex B: Proposals, 3.
A statutory ministerial Code. An amendment to the Northern Ireland Act 1998 would require there to be a ministerial Code, and place a duty upon Ministers (including junior Ministers), notwithstanding their executive authority in their areas of responsibility as defined in the Agreement, to act in accordance with the provisions on ministerial accountability of the Code. The Code would reflect a requirement for safeguards to ensure that all sections of the community could participate and work together successfully in the operation of these institutions and that all sections of the community were protected. There would be arrangements to ensure that, where a decision of the Executive could not be achieved by consensus and a vote was required,
any three members of the Executive could require it to be taken on a cross-community
basis.

Page 7, Annex B: Proposals, 4.
The 1998 Act would be amended to require inclusion in the Code of agreed provisions in relation to ministerial accountability. Consistent with paragraphs 19 and 20 of the Agreement, this would provide for the Executive to be the forum for:
(i) the discussion of, and agreement on, issues which cut across the responsibilities of two or more Ministers, including in particular those that are the responsibility of the Minister of Finance and Personnel.
(ii) prioritising executive proposals;
(iii) prioritising legislative proposals;
(iv) recommending a common position where necessary – for instance, on matters which concern the response of the Northern Ireland administration to external relationships;
(v) agreement each year on (and review as necessary of) a programme incorporating an agreed budget linked to policies and programmes (Programme for Government);
(vi) discussion of and agreement on any issue which is significant or controversial and is clearly outside the scope of the agreed Programme for Government or which the First Minister and Deputy First Minister agree should be brought to the Executive.

Page 7, ANNEX B: Proposals, 5.
The new Code would be discussed by the parties and agreed by the Executive when formed. The First Minister and Deputy First Minister would propose the Code to the Assembly. It would have effect once endorsed by cross-community support there. Any amendments to the Code would require cross-community support in the Assembly.

Page 8, ANNEX B: Proposals, 6.
Assembly referrals for Executive review. An amendment to the 1998 Act would provide for referrals from the Assembly to the Executive of important ministerial decisions. Thirty members of the Assembly might initiate such a referral, within seven days of a ministerial decision or notification of the decision where appropriate. Before he could pass the referral to the Executive, the Presiding Officer, following consultation with the parties in the Assembly, would be required to certify that it concerned an issue of public importance. The Executive would consider the issue within seven days. A second referral could not be made by the Assembly in respect of the same matter. Only matters covered by the Ministerial Code, as set out above, would require a collective decision by the Executive.

Page 8, ANNEX B: Proposals, 8.
Amendments to the Pledge of Office. The 1998 Act would be amended to include a requirement in the Pledge of Office that Ministers would participate fully in the Executive and NSMC/BIC, and would observe the joint nature of the office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister.

Page 10, ANNEX B: Proposals, 9.
Assembly approval of Ministers in the Executive. An amendment would be made to the 1998 Act on appointment of Ministers in the Executive. The Nominating Officer of the largest party in the largest designation in the Assembly would first make a nomination to the Assembly Presiding Officer for the post of First Minister. The Nominating Officer of the largest party in the second largest designation in the Assembly would similarly nominate for the post of Deputy First Minister. The d’Hondt procedure would then run, as already set out in the 1998 Act, to fill the Ministerial posts in the Executive. The Presiding Officer would put to the Assembly an Executive Declaration listing the entire resulting Executive (FM, DFM and Ministers). The Executive Declaration would require approval by the 50:50:50 criterion. In order to uphold the right of every party, so entitled by its electoral strength, to nominate an MLA of its choice for ministerial office, only one Executive Declaration could be tabled by the Presiding Officer. If approval was not achieved within six weeks from the date on which the Assembly first met, there would, as under the present procedures, be a new Assembly election. No minister would be allowed to remain in the Executive if he or she had not voted in favour of the Executive Declaration, and if the nominating officer of his or her party did not nominate another MLA who had done so, d’Hondt would be re-run excluding that party. Where a vacancy arose later in the office of the FM or DFM, the nominating officers of the parties entitled to nominate as above for the two offices would do so, following which the Presiding Officer would put to the Assembly a partial Executive Declaration, for approval by the 50:50:50 criterion. Where a vacancy arose in another ministerial office, it would be filled as at present. It will be a matter for the standing Institutional Review Committee referred to in paragraph 12 to consider whether the new procedures should continue beyond the life of the present Assembly.

Page 10, ANNEX B: Proposals, 10.
Functions of Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister. The First Minister and Deputy First Minister would reach agreement as to whether any functions of the current OFMDFM should be transferred to other departments, and would put proposals to the Executive and Assembly accordingly.
Power sharing→Political power sharing→Proportionality in legislature
Sub-state level
Page 11, ANNEX B: Proposals, 14.
Community designation. An amendment to the 1998 Act would provide that an Assembly Member would not be able to change community designation for the whole of an Assembly term from that expressed at the time of nomination for election, except in the case of a change of membership of political party.
Power sharing→Political power sharing→Form of 'veto' or communal majority
Sub-state level
Page 6, Annex B: Introduction, 1.
The Executive must agree a draft Programme for Government and Budget, which must be approved by the Assembly on a cross-community vote. In most cases legislative proposals that require Assembly approval derive from Ministerial decisions. Where a Petition of Concern is invoked in respect of such legislation, the Assembly’s decision must be on the basis of a cross-community vote;...

Page 7, Annex B: Proposals, 3.
...The Code would reflect a requirement for safeguards to ensure that all sections of the community could participate and work together successfully in the operation of these institutions and that all sections of the community were protected. There would be arrangements to ensure that, where a decision of the Executive could not be achieved by consensus and a vote was required, any three members of the Executive could require it to be taken on a cross-community basis.

Page 7, Annex B: Proposals, 5.
The new Code would be discussed by the parties and agreed by the Executive when formed. The First Minister and Deputy First Minister would propose the Code to the Assembly. It would have effect once endorsed by cross-community support there. Any amendments to the Code would require cross-community support in the Assembly.
Territorial power sharing: No specific mention.
Economic power sharing: No specific mention.
Military power sharing: No specific mention.

Human rights and equality

Human rights/RoL general: Page 1, 3.
The Governments have made clear consistently that they remain committed to the fundamentals of the Agreement reached in 1998, including the need for consent to constitutional change, for absolute commitment to exclusively peaceful and democratic means, for stable inclusive partnership government, for a balanced institutional accommodation of the key relationships within Northern Ireland, between North and South and between these islands and for equality and human rights to be at the heart of the new dispensation in Northern Ireland. None of the parties in the review of the operation of the Agreement conducted this year have dissented from these fundamental elements.
Bill of rights/similar: No specific mention.
Treaty incorporation: No specific mention.
Civil and political rights: No specific mention.
Socio-economic rights: No specific mention.

Rights related issues

Citizenship: No specific mention.
Democracy: No specific mention.
Detention procedures: No specific mention.
Media and communication: No specific mention.
Mobility/access: No specific mention.
Protection measures: No specific mention.
Other: No specific mention.

Rights institutions

NHRI: No specific mention.
Regional or international human rights institutions: No specific mention.

Justice sector reform

Criminal justice and emergency law: Justice sector reform→Criminal justice and emergency law→Reform to specific laws
Page 2, Political Institutions, 5.
The Governments and the parties have been anxious to see the earliest possible ending of the suspension of the Northern Ireland Institutions. In addition, based on the extensive discussions in the Review, the Governments have made an assessment of what changes to the operation of certain aspects of the Agreement would be broadly acceptable to the parties. Based on this assessment, the British Government will lift suspension in February 2005 once legislation has been introduced in the British Parliament to amend a number of aspects of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and related legislation. This legislation will also provide for the removal of the power of suspension. This will enable the institutional changes outlined in the attached annex to come into effect before the formation of the new Executive.

Page 9, ANNEX B: Proposals, 13.
Repeal of the Northern Ireland Act 2000. In accordance with the Government’s earlier commitments in the context of acts of completion, it would propose to Parliament the repeal of the 2000 Act, which provides for suspension.
Justice sector reform→Criminal justice and emergency law→Criminal Justice System reform
Page 2, Policing and Justice, 7.
There have been extensive discussions about prospects for extending support across all sections of the community for the new policing arrangements in Northern Ireland. On the basis of these discussions, including on the key related issue of the devolution of justice and policing, we have a strong expectation that this process of decision making by Sinn Féin will be undertaken quickly. If required, the British Government will make appropriate arrangements to facilitate Sinn Féin membership of the new Policing Board once this decision making process has concluded. The Governments expect that Sinn Féin will be in a position to join the Policing Board no later than the date on which the Bill enabling devolution of policing and justice is enacted.

Page 2, Policing and Justice, 8.
The prospects for the devolution of responsibility for policing and justice will be influenced by the effective implementation of all the developments listed in this document. Against that background, the British Government will initiate discussions with the parties on the modalities of devolution as soon as the IICD has confirmed the completion of IRA decommissioning, with the aim of agreement by the time the Executive is established. On that basis the British Government will commit to introducing into Parliament by the summer of 2005 the legislation necessary to permit devolution to take place. Such legislation will come into force as soon as possible, once sufficient confidence exists across the community, as expressed in a cross-community vote in the Assembly, proposed by the First Minister and Deputy First Minister. The British Government will work to promote the necessary confidence to allow such a vote to take place within two years.
State of emergency provisions: Page 2, Political Institutions, 5.
The Governments and the parties have been anxious to see the earliest possible ending of the suspension of the Northern Ireland Institutions. In addition, based on the extensive discussions in the Review, the Governments have made an assessment of what changes to the operation of certain aspects of the Agreement would be broadly acceptable to the parties. Based on this assessment, the British Government will lift suspension in February 2005 once legislation has been introduced in the British Parliament to amend a number of aspects of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and related legislation. This legislation will also provide for the removal of the power of suspension. This will enable the institutional changes outlined in the attached annex to come into effect before the formation of the new Executive.

Page 9, ANNEX B: Proposals, 13.
Repeal of the Northern Ireland Act 2000. In accordance with the Government’s earlier commitments in the context of acts of completion, it would propose to Parliament the repeal of the 2000 Act, which provides for suspension.
Judiciary and courts: No specific mention.
Prisons and detention: No specific mention.
Traditional Laws: No specific mention.

Socio-economic reconstruction

Development or socio-economic reconstruction: No specific mention.
National economic plan: No specific mention.
Natural resources: No specific mention.
International funds: No specific mention.
Business: No specific mention.
Taxation: No specific mention.
Banks: No specific mention.

Land, property and environment

Land reform/rights: No specific mention.
Pastoralist/nomadism rights: No specific mention.
Cultural heritage: No specific mention.
Environment: No specific mention.
Water or riparian rights or access: No specific mention.

Security sector

Security Guarantees: No specific mention.
Ceasefire: No specific mention.
Police: Page 2, Policing and Justice, 7.
There have been extensive discussions about prospects for extending support across all sections of the community for the new policing arrangements in Northern Ireland. On the basis of these discussions, including on the key related issue of the devolution of justice and policing, we have a strong expectation that this process of decision making by Sinn Féin will be undertaken quickly. If required, the British Government will make appropriate arrangements to facilitate Sinn Féin membership of the new Policing Board once this decision making process has concluded. The Governments expect that Sinn Féin will be in a position to join the Policing Board no later than the date on which the Bill enabling devolution of policing and justice is enacted.

Page 2-3, Policing and Justice, 8.
The prospects for the devolution of responsibility for policing and justice will be influenced by the effective implementation of all the developments listed in this document. Against that background, the British Government will initiate discussions with the parties on the modalities of devolution as soon as the IICD has confirmed the completion of IRA decommissioning, with the aim of agreement by the time the Executive is established. On that basis the British Government will commit to introducing into Parliament by the summer of 2005 the legislation necessary to permit devolution to take place. Such legislation will come into force as soon as possible, once sufficient confidence exists across the community, as expressed in a cross-community vote in the Assembly, proposed by the First Minister and Deputy First Minister. The British Government will work to promote the necessary confidence to allow such a vote to take place within two years.
Armed forces: No specific mention.
DDR: Security sector→DDR→Demilitarisation provisions
Page 1, 1.
Following intensive discussions at Leeds Castle and subsequently involving all the parties represented in the Northern Ireland Assembly, a basis for agreement has now been reached on the key issues identified by the Prime Minister, the Taoiseach and the parties at Lancaster House in June. These include the need to bring all forms of paramilitary activity to an end; the need to decommission all paramilitary weapons; the need for a clear commitment on all sides to the stability of the political institutions; and for the achievement of support for policing from all sides of the community.

Page 1, Paramilitary activity and decommissioning, 4.
We are confident that steps will now be taken to provide for an immediate, full and permanent cessation of all paramilitary activity by the IRA. As regards IRA weapons, the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning will issue a report later today which sets out the way forward in terms of a definitive programme to ensure that the process is completed by the end of December 2004. These developments are momentous. The prospect of a new era of lasting peace and stability, involving the ending of all paramilitary activity and other illegal activity, requires all sides to respond positively. For their part, the Governments are determined to ensure that this unprecedented opportunity for peace is secured and sustained. This major step forward by the IRA underlines the need for rapid progress in regard to the decommissioning of all paramilitary weapons from all sources. We urge all parties and relevant groups to use their influence now to address the question of arms in the possession of loyalist paramilitaries.

Page 2, Political Institutions, 6.
To allow the parties to prepare adequately for the re-establishment of the political institutions, the British Government will also introduce legislation in December to allow the formation of a shadow Assembly. This shadow period will take effect on the completion of IRA decommissioning, at the beginning of January. Prior to this shadow period, following the IICD statement that the decommissioning process has commenced, it is envisaged that names of candidates for First and Deputy First Minister will be made public by the appropriate parties.

Page 2-3, Policing and Justice, 8.
The prospects for the devolution of responsibility for policing and justice will be influenced by the effective implementation of all the developments listed in this document. Against that background, the British Government will initiate discussions with the parties on the modalities of devolution as soon as the IICD has confirmed the completion of IRA decommissioning, with the aim of agreement by the time the Executive is established...
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: Page 1, 1.
Following intensive discussions at Leeds Castle and subsequently involving all the parties represented in the Northern Ireland Assembly, a basis for agreement has now been reached on the key issues identified by the Prime Minister, the Taoiseach and the parties at Lancaster House in June. These include the need to bring all forms of paramilitary activity to an end; the need to decommission all paramilitary weapons; the need for a clear commitment on all sides to the stability of the political institutions; and for the achievement of support for policing from all sides of the community.

Page 1, Paramilitary activity and decommissioning, 4.
We are confident that steps will now be taken to provide for an immediate, full and permanent cessation of all paramilitary activity by the IRA. As regards IRA weapons, the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning will issue a report later today which sets out the way forward in terms of a definitive programme to ensure that the process is completed by the end of December 2004. These developments are momentous. The prospect of a new era of lasting peace and stability, involving the ending of all paramilitary activity and other illegal activity, requires all sides to respond positively. For their part, the Governments are determined to ensure that this unprecedented opportunity for peace is secured and sustained. This major step forward by the IRA underlines the need for rapid progress in regard to the decommissioning of all paramilitary weapons from all sources. We urge all parties and relevant groups to use their influence now to address the question of arms in the possession of loyalist paramilitaries.

Page 2, Political Institutions, 6.
To allow the parties to prepare adequately for the re-establishment of the political institutions, the British Government will also introduce legislation in December to allow the formation of a shadow Assembly. This shadow period will take effect on the completion of IRA decommissioning, at the beginning of January.Prior to this shadow period, following the IICD statement that the decommissioning process has commenced, it is envisaged that names of candidates for First and Deputy First Minister will be made public by the appropriate parties.

Page 2-3, Policing and Justice, 8.
The prospects for the devolution of responsibility for policing and justice will be influenced by the effective implementation of all the developments listed in this document. Against that background, the British Government will initiate discussions with the parties on the modalities of devolution as soon as the IICD has confirmed the completion of IRA decommissioning, with the aim of agreement by the time the Executive is established...
Withdrawal of foreign forces: No specific mention.
Corruption: No specific mention.
Crime/organised crime: No specific mention.
Drugs: No specific mention.
Terrorism: No specific mention.

Transitional justice

Transitional justice general: No specific mention.
Amnesty/pardon: No specific mention.
Courts: No specific mention.
Mechanism: No specific mention.
Prisoner release: No specific mention.
Vetting: No specific mention.
Victims: No specific mention.
Missing persons: No specific mention.
Reparations: No specific mention.
Reconciliation: No specific mention.

Implementation

UN signatory: No specific mention.
Other international signatory: No specific mention.
Referendum for agreement: No specific mention.
International mission/force/similar: No specific mention.
Enforcement mechanism: [Summary: ANNEX A provides for a timetable of implementation for the agreement.]
Related cases: No specific mention.
Source: Irish Dept of Foreign Affairs

Proposals by the British and Irish Governments for a Comprehensive Agreement

1. Following intensive discussions at Leeds Castle and subsequently involving all the parties represented in the Northern Ireland Assembly, a basis for agreement has now been reached on the key issues identified by the Prime Minister, the Taoiseach and the parties at Lancaster House in June.

These include the need to bring all forms of paramilitary activity to an end;

the need to decommission all paramilitary weapons;

the need for a clear commitment on all sides to the stability of the political institutions;

and for the achievement of support for policing from all sides of the community.

2. Together with the fulfilment of the commitments of the two Governments relating to the full implementation of the Agreement, all of these issues have been addressed satisfactorily.

There is now a basis on which we can look forward to the early restoration of the Assembly, with the prospect of stable and inclusive powersharing government in Northern Ireland and the full operation of the North-South and East-West arrangements.

The enabling steps to achieve these objectives are outlined in the annexed timetable.

3. The Governments have made clear consistently that they remain committed to the fundamentals of the Agreement reached in 1998, including the need for consent to constitutional change, for absolute commitment to exclusively peaceful and democratic means, for stable inclusive partnership government, for a balanced institutional accommodation of the key relationships within Northern Ireland, between North and South and between these islands and for equality and human rights to be at the heart of the new dispensation in Northern Ireland.

None of the parties in the review of the operation of the Agreement conducted this year have dissented from these fundamental elements.

Paramilitary activity and decommissioning

4. We are confident that steps will now be taken to provide for an immediate, full and permanent cessation of all paramilitary activity by the IRA.

As regards IRA weapons, the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning will issue a report later today which sets out the way forward in terms of a definitive programme to ensure that the process is completed by the end of December 2004.

These developments are momentous.

The prospect of a new era of lasting peace and stability, involving the ending of all paramilitary activity and other illegal activity, requires all sides to respond positively.

For their part, the Governments are determined to ensure that this unprecedented opportunity for peace is secured and sustained.

This major step forward by the IRA underlines the need for rapid progress in regard to the decommissioning of all paramilitary weapons from all sources.

We urge all parties and relevant groups to use their influence now to address the question of arms in the possession of loyalist paramilitaries.

Political Institutions

5. The Governments and the parties have been anxious to see the earliest possible ending of the suspension of the Northern Ireland Institutions.

In addition, based on the extensive discussions in the Review, the Governments have made an assessment of what changes to the operation of certain aspects of the Agreement would be broadly acceptable to the parties.

Based on this assessment, the British Government will lift suspension in February 2005 once legislation has been introduced in the British Parliament to amend a number of aspects of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and related legislation.

This legislation will also provide for the removal of the power of suspension.

This will enable the institutional changes outlined in the attached annex to come into effect before the formation of the new Executive.

6. To allow the parties to prepare adequately for the re-establishment of the political institutions, the British Government will also introduce legislation in December to allow the formation of a shadow Assembly.

This shadow period will take effect on the completion of IRA decommissioning, at the beginning of January.

Prior to this shadow period, following the IICD statement that the decommissioning process has commenced, it is envisaged that names of candidates for First and Deputy First Minister will be made public by the appropriate parties.

Policing and Justice

7. There have been extensive discussions about prospects for extending support across all sections of the community for the new policing arrangements in Northern Ireland.

On the basis of these discussions, including on the key related issue of the devolution of justice and policing, we have a strong expectation that this process of decision making by Sinn Féin will be undertaken quickly.

If required, the British Government will make appropriate arrangements to facilitate Sinn Féin membership of the new Policing Board once this decision making process has concluded.

The Governments expect that Sinn Féin will be in a position to join the Policing Board no later than the date on which the Bill enabling devolution of policing and justice is enacted.

8. The prospects for the devolution of responsibility for policing and justice will be influenced by the effective implementation of all the developments listed in this document.

Against that background, the British Government will initiate discussions with the parties on the modalities of devolution as soon as the IICD has confirmed the completion of IRA decommissioning, with the aim of agreement by the time the Executive is established.

On that basis the British Government will commit to introducing into Parliament by the summer of 2005 the legislation necessary to permit devolution to take place.

Such legislation will come into force as soon as possible, once sufficient confidence exists across the community, as expressed in a cross-community vote in the Assembly, proposed by the First Minister and Deputy First Minister.

The British Government will work to promote the necessary confidence to allow such a vote to take place within two years.

Conclusion

9. All this represents major progress towards our goal of securing peace and political stability in Northern Ireland.

There is a great deal of work to do in implementing the various commitments referred to here.

The Governments expect that all the parties involved will carry out their commitments in this agreement in good faith and will make every effort to build the confidence and trust necessary for a stable and lasting accommodation.

In addition to the verification mechanisms outlined above, both Governments will keep implementation of the agreement under close scrutiny with a view to ensuring that each and all of the commitments are fully implemented and that any default is identified and challenged.

The Governments are determined that default by any one of the parties to this agreement would not be allowed to hinder the progress made by others in good faith.

ANNEX A

TIMETABLE

The Agreement would unfold as follows:

Tuesday 7 December