1. Introduction

1.1 On 18 January 1999 we tabled a further report on matters referred to the Assembly by the Secretary of State, pursuant to the Assembly's resolution of 1 July 1998 asking us to make proposals and report.

1.2 This report fulfils our commitment on 18 January to produce a final report incorporating:

a. our comprehensive determination of the number of Ministerial offices to be held by Northern Ireland Ministers and the functions which would be exercisable by the holder of each such office after the appointed day;

b. further proposals in relation to establishing:

i. the North/South Ministerial Council;

ii. the British-Irish Council;

iii. the consultative Civic Forum.

2. Departmental Structures

2.1 We have continued with our work on Departmental structures following the agreement reached on 18 December and subsequently approved by the Assembly on 18 January. In particular, we have been giving further consideration to Departmental functions and we have commented on draft legislation and other related material that will be required to set up the new Departments.

2.2 In light of that work, we have made some additions to the list of functions within each Department, including the proposed Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, contained in our 18 January report. The expanded list is at Annex 1a and the text of the agreement of 18 December 1998 is reproduced at Annex 1b.

2.3 The discussions with officials have also helped us focus on important linkages which we believe must be in place in some areas to ensure cohesion. These linkages will be reflected in the Programme of Government.

2.4 Our agreement on the number of Departments has since been provided for in legislation in the form of a Departments (Northern Ireland) Order. This was made at the Privy Council on 10 February and will come into effect on the appointed day for devolution. Work is also well advanced on making a Transfer of Functions Order under the Ministries Act (Northern Ireland) 1944, again to come into effect from the appointed day.

2.5 Alongside this, and further to our commitment in our 18 January report, we attach at Annex 2 for the Assembly's approval, in accordance with standing order 21 of the Initial Standing Orders, a copy of the formal determination of the number of Ministerial offices and of the functions which would be exercisable by the holder of each such office after the appointed day for devolution.

2.6 Finally in this section, we recognise that increasing the number of Departments inevitably involves some dislocation and diseconomies. We share the firm view expressed during our consultations with Parties that the additional costs should be offset by rationalising the remainder of public administration in Northern Ireland.

3. North/South Co-operation

3.1 During the intensive series of consultative meetings with Parties and between ourselves and our senior representatives, starting in September and running through to Christmas, the main focus was on areas for North-South co-operation and on implementation bodies, in addition to Departmental structures. We reported on the outcome on 18 January, following our agreement on 18 December. Detailed work has since continued to ensure that the necessary legislative and other arrangements are in place to give effect to the Assembly's approval of our agreement from the appointed day for devolution, subject to formal, joint endorsement with the Irish Government in the North/South Ministerial Council.

3.2 On practical matters, we have had further consultation with Parties on:

Ÿ the location of Council meetings;

Ÿ the timing of meetings;

Ÿ agendas for meetings;

Ÿ papers for meetings;

Ÿ procedural rules;

Ÿ the secretariat.

3.3 We report on the outcome of these discussions immediately below.

3.4 Armagh has emerged as a favoured venue, at least for the inaugural meeting of the Council. We understand that the Irish Government have no objections to this proposal. We have therefore asked officials to start work on making the appropriate arrangements.

3.5 For the medium to longer term, we have also asked officials to look at options for a permanent location for the Council in Armagh, without prejudice to other possible locations in Northern Ireland.

3.6 We anticipate that the inaugural meeting of the NSMC will take place shortly after a shadow Executive Committee is formed and before the appointed day for devolution.

3.7 The multi-Party Agreement provides that the agendas for all meetings are to be settled in advance between the two sides, although it will be open to either side to propose any matter for consideration or action.

3.8 We propose the following agenda for the inaugural meeting:

Ÿ opening statements;

Ÿ implementation bodies and areas for co-operation;

Ÿ further work programme and future meetings;

Ÿ draft memorandum on procedural arrangements;

Ÿ draft communiqué.

3.9 We anticipate that the main papers for the inaugural meeting will relate to progress on the work programme on North/South co-operation recorded in our report to the Assembly on 18 January, to the draft memorandum on procedural arrangements for the operation of the Council (see below) and to a further work programme.

3.10 There have been preliminary discussions at official level on drafting a memorandum on procedural arrangements, for which provision is made in the Agreement. In outline the draft might cover (paragraph references in the Strand Two section of the Agreement are in brackets):

Ÿ participation in the Council (paragraph 1);

Ÿ accountability to the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Oireachtas (paragraph 2)

Ÿ decision-making in the Council (paragraph 2);

Ÿ format of Council meetings (paragraphs 3 and 14);

Ÿ agendas and work programme (paragraph 4 and 5(i));

Ÿ implementation bodies (paragraphs 5(iv) and 11);

Ÿ funding of the Council and the Secretariat (paragraph 15)

Ÿ the Secretariat (paragraph 16);

Ÿ EU matters (paragraph 17);

Ÿ an independent consultative forum (paragraph 19).

3.11 As noted above, all of these elements of the draft memorandum have their source in the Agreement. We would propose having further consultations with the Parties on the draft before it is finalised in the NSMC.

3.12 It should also be noted that the Agreement (Strand 2, paragraph 18) specifies that the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Oireachtas should consider developing a joint Parliamentary forum.

3.13 The Agreement provides for the Council to be supported by a standing joint Secretariat, staffed by members of the Northern Ireland Civil Service and the Irish Civil Service. This will require a number of administrative and other issues around the staffing, organisation and functions of the Secretariat to be considered.

3.14 In terms of functions, it is envisaged that the work of the Secretariat will include:

Ÿ preparing agendas for meetings and drafting records of decisions of the Council, for approval and use by relevant Ministers;

Ÿ preparing papers for meetings of the Council, including in relation to its work programme;

Ÿ drafting communiqués;

Ÿ ensuring and monitoring follow-up on decisions of the Council;

Ÿ drafting an annual report on the proceedings of the Council.

3.15 These issues will be covered as necessary in the proposed memorandum on procedural arrangements.

4. British-Irish Council

4.1 During the course of our recent round of consultations with Parties we noted broad acceptance for the first meeting of the British-Irish Council (the BIC) being held in London at approximately the same time as the first meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council.

4.2 The British and Irish Governments are taking forward arrangements for the establishment of the Council. Both Governments are preparing a number of working papers for consultation purposes, including the following:

a. a draft Treaty to bring the BIC formally into being;

b. draft procedural guidance setting out a proposed set of ground rules on how the BIC will operate; and

c. a draft work programme setting out a range of issues of mutual interest which members of the BIC may wish to begin to address in the early stages of the Council's work.

4.3 In relation to the latter, paragraph 5 of the Strand Three section of the Agreement suggests that suitable issues could include:

Ÿ transport links;

Ÿ agricultural issues;

Ÿ environmental issues;

Ÿ cultural issues;

Ÿ health issues;

Ÿ education issues; and

Ÿ approaches to EU issues.

4.4 We propose consulting further with the Parties to identify common ground in relation to the establishment of the British-Irish Council. In particular, we are keen to achieve a consensus on the key priorities to be included in the initial work programme and to invite officials to prepare relevant papers.

5. Consultative Civic Forum

5.1 Arising from the round-table consultations with six of the Assembly Parties (UUP, SDLP, SF, All, NIWC and PUP) last November a study group was established to produce a report that would offer advice on steps we should take to establish the consultative Civic Forum. We received the study group's report on 3 February 1999 and have since placed a copy of the Report in the Assembly Library.

5.2 We wish to record our appreciation for the work of the study group. We also wish to place on record our appreciation of the contribution of a wide range of individuals and organisations who have made written submissions on the possible role and functions of the Civic Forum. The study group's report formed the basis of a further round of consultations which we had with Parties over the past 10 days.

5.3 We have carefully considered the various written submissions, the study group's report and the views expressed to us by Assembly Parties; and, having done so, we outline below a set of proposals for the establishment of the Civic Forum.

5.4 Paragraph 34 of Strand One of the Agreement provides that the Civic Forum will act as a consultative mechanism on social, economic and cultural issues. We will make arrangements for obtaining from the Civic Forum its views on such matters. These arrangements will not take effect until after they have been approved by the Assembly.

5.5 Arising from paragraph 19 of the Strand Two section of the Agreement, the Civic Forum may be asked to offer its views on any independent consultative forum established by the two Administrations.

5.6 The Civic Forum should comprise 60 members plus a chairperson, with nominations processed under the following headings:

Ÿ business 7

Ÿ agriculture/fisheries 3

Ÿ trade union 7

Ÿ voluntary/community 18

Ÿ churches 5

Ÿ culture 4

Ÿ arts and sport 4

Ÿ victims 2

Ÿ community relations 2

Ÿ education 2

Ÿ First and Deputy First Ministers 6

5.7 The approval of the First and Deputy First Ministers will be required as to the arrangements for securing the nominations from the consortia and the other sectors specified below. Specifically, all nominating bodies should adhere to the following guidelines:

a. a gender balance;

b. a community background balance;

c. a geographic spread across Northern Ireland; and

d. a balanced age profile to include young people and older people.

5.8 Business: The Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, the Institute of Directors, the Confederation of British Industry and the Federation of Small Businesses should be invited to form a consortium for the purpose of nominating 7 individuals reflecting the interests across the business community (including tourism).

5.9 Agriculture/Fisheries: The Ulster Farmers' Union, the Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers' Association and representative organisations from the fishing sector should be invited to form a consortium for the purpose of nominating 3 individuals.

5.10 Trade Union: The Northern Ireland Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions should be invited to nominate 7 individuals representative of the widest possible spectrum of the trade union movement, including representation from the unemployed affiliated to the trade union movement.

5.11 Voluntary/Community: A number of umbrella voluntary organisations, including the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action, the Rural Community Network, Disability Action and the Women's Resource Development Agency, should be invited to assist in bringing forward a set of proposals on how 18 nominations from the voluntary/community sector can be achieved. The process should ensure in particular that:

a. a range of sub-sectoral groups (see below) are able through the formation of consortia to put forward nominations from within their own sub-sectoral groupings;

b. the sub-sectoral groups are representative groups of older people, youth, people with disabilities, women's groups, ethnic minorities, carers, families and children, and community development, community health, community education and environmental groups;

c. nominations are sought through a public advertisement campaign to maximise the transparency of the process;

d. non-affiliation to/association with any of the umbrella bodies does not prevent sub-sectoral groups from making nominations.

5.12 Churches: The churches should be invited to form a consortium for the purpose of nominating 5 individuals representing a broad spread of religious belief within the community.

5.13 Culture: The Cultural Traditions Group of the Community Relations Council and major cultural organisations should be invited to form a consortium for the purpose of nominating 4 individuals.

5.14 Arts & Sports: The Northern Ireland Arts Council and the Northern Ireland Sports Council should be invited to nominate 2 individuals each.

5.15 Victims: Organisations working with victims should be invited to assist in ensuring that the concerns of victims are represented on the Civic Forum through 2 nominations.

5.16 Community Relations: The Community Relations Council should be invited to nominate 2 individuals who have made a significant contribution to working across the community divide in Northern Ireland.

5.17 Education: The Queen's University of Belfast and the University of Ulster should be invited to form a consortium across the broad education sector for the purpose of nominating 2 individuals who have a thorough knowledge and direct experience of the educational challenges confronting the Northern Ireland community.

5.18 Nominations by the First Minister and Deputy First Minister: The First and Deputy First Ministers should appoint 6 individuals who, in their assessment, have a range of insights, expertise and experiences that will inform the deliberations of the Civic Forum.

5.19 All nominations to the Civic Forum should adhere to the principles of public appointments being based on equality of opportunity, merit, openness and transparency of process.

5.20 Members should normally serve for 3 years. The initial membership should retire on a staggered basis and casual vacancies should be filled by the nominating bodies or other nominating processes agreed upon.

5.21 The chairperson of the Civic Forum should be appointed by the First and Deputy First Ministers following a process of consultation and public advertisement. The chairperson should receive an appropriate honorarium and normally serve for a 3- year term.

5.22 Up to two vice-chairpersons should be appointed by the membership of the Civic Forum.

5.23 The Civic Forum should operate under the aegis of the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, which will provide administrative support consisting of a secretariat and operating expenses, including members' expenses and consultancy fees.

5.24 The initial membership, assisted by the secretariat, should draw up procedural guidance for the operation of the Civic Forum for approval by the Assembly.

5.25 We have agreed that the arrangements outlined above should be completed and that the Civic Forum should be fully operational no later than 6 months after the appointed day for devolution.

5.26 The First Minister and the Deputy First Minister shall arrange a formal review, to be carried out in close consultation with the membership of the Civic Forum, with a view to reporting within 12 months of the Forum becoming operational. The review should consider all matters relating to the structure and effective operation of the Civic Forum.

6. Conclusion

6.1 We commend this report to the Assembly, including our Determination of the number of Ministerial offices and their functions (Annex 2).

Economic Policy Unit (see Annex 1b)

Equality Unit

Liaison with NSMC including Secretariat

Liaison with BIC

Civic Forum (administrative and other arrangements, including secretariat support)

Liaison with Secretary of State (excepted or reserved)

European Affairs/International Matters/Washington Bureau

Liaison with IFI

Information Services

Community Relations

Executive Committee Secretariat

Legislation Progress Unit

Office of the Legislative Counsel

Public Appointments Policy

Visits

Honours

Freedom of Information

Victims

Nolan Standards

Public Service Office (see Annex 1b)

Machinery of Government

Emergency Planning

Women's Issues

Policy Innovation Unit

Cross-Departmental Co-ordination

Assembly Ombudsman (Liaison and Appointment issues)

Food, Farming and Environmental Policy

Agri-Food Development

Science

Veterinary

Rural Development

Forestry

Sea Fisheries

Planning Control

Environment and Heritage

Protection of the Countryside

Waste Management

Pollution Control

Wildlife Protection

Local Government

Sustainable Development

Mineral Resources (planning aspects)

Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency

Road Safety

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency

Transport Licensing and Enforcement Branch

Transport Planning

Public Transport, Buses and the Northern Ireland Transport

Holding Company

Roads Service

Rail

Ports and Airports

Energy (Strategic and Developmental)

Water

Strategic Planning

Voluntary Activity Unit

Housing Policy

Northern Ireland Housing Executive

Urban Renewal

Community Sector

Laganside Corporation

Rent Assessment Panel

Housing Benefit Review Boards

Social Security Agency

Child Support Agency

Lands Division

Independent Tribunal Service

Central Adjudication Services

Office of Social Fund Commissioner

Social Legislation

Schools Funding and Administration

Special Education

School Effectiveness

School Planning and Provision

Schools Inspectorate

Pre-School Education

Youth Service

Teachers (numbers, remuneration etc)

Education and Library Board Appointments

Higher Education

Further Education

Vocational Training (ACE, CWP and New Deal)

Employment Services

Employment Law and Labour Relations

Teacher Training and Teacher Education

Student Support and Postgraduate Awards

Training Grants (for Executive Development, Premier and Priority Skills Programmes)

Office of the Industrial and the Fair Employment Tribunals

Economic Development Policy

Industry (IDB, LEDU)

Research and Development (IRTU)

Tourism

Health and Safety Executive

Employment Medical Advisory Service

Company Regulation

Consumer Affairs

Energy Regulation

Ofreg

Minerals and Petroleum Unit (including Geological Survey)

NICO

Company Training Grants Schemes (Company Development Programme and Explorers)

Arts and Culture

Sport and Leisure

Libraries

Museums

Armagh Planetarium

Ulster Historical Foundation

Inland Waterways

Inland Fisheries

Ordnance Survey

Public Record Office

Language Policy

Lottery Matters

Millennium Events and Events Companies

Visitor Amenities

Health

Social Services

Public Health and Safety

Health Promotion

Fire Authority

Finance

Personnel

IT and Common Services

Accommodation

Legal Services

Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency

Land Registry of Northern Ireland

Rates Collection Agency and VLA

Construction Service

Northern Ireland Construction Industry Advisory Council

Northern Ireland Building Regulations Advisory Council

Business Development Service

Government Purchasing Agency

Office of Law Reform

1. On 1 July 1998, the New Northern Ireland Assembly asked us to report on progress towards implementing the Belfast Agreement reached on Good Friday this year.

2. Since our election, most of the parties in the Assembly have been working with us on detailed questions. Papers on Strands One, Two and Three have been considered in a series of round tables and other meetings.

3. Following intensive negotiations and consultations involving other Assembly parties, and as appropriate the Irish and British Governments, we have reached agreement tonight on matters for North/South co-operation and implementation, and on Departments.

4. We wish to express satisfaction with the outcome, which represents a major step in the implementation of the Agreement.

5. As regards Departments (Annex 1), the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister will have an Economic Policy Unit and special responsibility for Equality. There will be ten Departments:

• Agriculture and Rural Development
• Environment
• Regional Development
• Social Development
• Education
• Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment
• Enterprise, Trade and Investment
• Culture, Arts and Leisure
• Health, Social Services and Public Safety
• Finance and Personnel
  

6. The Agreement required a 'work programme' on at least 12 matters, six being new implementation bodies, and six being matters for co-operation. The six implementation bodies (Annex 2) are:

• Inland Waterways
• Food Safety
• Trade and Business Development
• Special EU Programmes
• Language (Irish and Ulster Scots)
• Aquaculture and Marine Matters
  

7. The six areas for co-operation (Annex 3) include some aspects of:

• Transport
• Agriculture
• Education
• Health
• Environment
• Tourism

8. We will be making a detailed report the Assembly early in January, and will bring forward proposals on the British-Irish Council and the Civic Forum.

Economic Policy Unit

Equality

Other central functions (within the Secretariat of the Executive Committee):

Liaison with NSMC

Liaison with BIC

Liaison with Civic Forum

Liaison with Secretary of State on reserved and excepted matters

European affairs and international matters

Policy Innovation Unit

Liaison with IFI

Information Services

Community Relations

Food, Farming and Environmental Policy

Agri-Food Development

Science

Veterinary

Rural Development

Forestry

Sea Fisheries

Planning Control

Environment and Heritage

Protection of the Countryside

Waste Management

Pollution Control

Wildlife Protection

Local Government

Sustainable Development

Mineral Resources

Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency

Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency

3. Regional Development

Transport Planning

Roads Service

Rail

Ports and Airports

Energy

Water

Strategic Planning

Housing Policy

NI Housing Executive

Urban Renewal

Community Sector

Laganside Corporation

NI Construction Industry Advisory Council

Rent Assessment Panel

NI Building Regulations Advisory Committee

Housing Benefit Review Boards

Social Security Agency

Schools Funding and Administration

Teachers and Special Education

School Effectiveness

School Planning and Provision

Schools Inspectorate

Nursery Education

Youth Service

Higher Education

Further Education

Vocational Training

Employment Services

Employment Law and Labour Relations

Economic Development Policy

Industry (IDB, LEDU)

Research and Development (IRTU)

Tourism

Health and Safety Executive

Company Regulation

Consumer Affairs

Arts and Culture

Sport and Leisure

Libraries

Museums

Visitor Amenities and Services

Ulster Historical Foundation

Inland Waterways

Inland Fisheries

Ordnance Survey

Public Record Office

Language Policy

Health

Social Services

Public Health and Safety

Health Promotion

Fire Authority

Finance

Personnel

IT and Common Services

Accommodation

Legal Services

NI Statistics and Research Agency

Land Registry of NI

Rates Collection Agency

To support the FM/DFM, and through them the Executive Committee as a whole, in their strategic role and responsibilities for the formulation, co-ordination and management of the policies of the new Administration.

The Unit will assist the FM/DFM in:

w undertaking, together with the responsible NI Minister and the Secretary of State, negotiations with HM Treasury on the size of the NI Block grant and on EU and IFI funding;

w determining, within the Executive Committee, the Administration's detailed strategic goals and inputting them to the Programme of Government and the allocation of financial resources;*

w arbitrating on competing funding demands and making final determination thereon;

w co-ordinating the Executive's economic policies and monitoring the effectiveness of public spending in achieving the Administration's economic goals, including responsibility for the Economic and Social Steering Groups;

w co-ordinating EU policy and reviewing the progress and effectiveness of EU and IFI funds;

w overseeing the development of joint financing of public expenditure, including the Private Finance Initiative;*

w monitoring the financial implications of legislation passed in the NI Assembly, at Westminster and by the EU.

Under the authority of the FM/DFM, the Unit will be responsible for:

w providing central initiatives, eg, the analogue to the PM's new Performance and Innovation Unit in the Cabinet Office;

w improving the effectiveness of management within Government through overseeing and co-ordinating the Administration's financial management information and regulatory policies; by developing and applying performance measures and co-ordinating mechanisms; promoting the organisational and cultural change required to deliver the new Administration's strategic agenda; and including responsibility for the Public Service Office, and for the Continuous Improvement Programme;*

w evaluating the effectiveness of programmes, policies and procedures of Departments, Boards and Agencies.*

[* In these cases the Unit will work in conjunction with the Minister for Finance and Personnel.]

A body with the following functions:

- Management, maintenance, development and restoration of the inland navigable waterway system throughout the island, principally for recreational purposes:

immediately in respect of the Shannon-Erne Waterway and of the possible restoration and development of the Ulster Canal;

progressively thereafter, in respect of the wider Shannon-Erne system and the island's other waterways (principally the Royal Canal, Grand Canal, Barrow and Lagan).

The Body would take on the functions, together with the appropriate support functions, exercised in that regard by the Waterways Service of the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands and the Rivers Agency of the Department of Agriculture in Northern Ireland, and would also take over the functions of Shannon-Erne Waterway Promotions Ltd.

A body with the following functions:

w promotion of food safety;

w research into food safety;

w communication of food alerts;

w surveillance of food-borne diseases;

w promotion of scientific co-operation and linkages between laboratories;

w development of cost-effective facilities for specialised laboratory testing.

A body to exchange functions and co-ordinate work on trade, business development and related matters, in areas where the two administrations specifically agree it would be in their mutual interest.

The specific areas of implementation would include:

w co-operation on business development opportunities, North and South;

w devising new approach to business developments in a cross-border context, in such areas as research, training, marketing and quality improvements;

w supporting business by making recommendations to increase enterprise competitiveness in a north-south context in areas such as skills availability, telecoms, IT and electronic commerce;

w promotion of north-south trade and supply chains, including through business linkages and partnerships;

w promoting cross-border trade events and marketing initiatives;

w identifying new areas of trade between North and South;

w promoting market awareness and trade development in a north-south context;

w undertaking specific projects and events in relation to trade promotion, when tasked jointly on a project by project basis;

w providing advice on specific aspects of trade promotion, when tasked jointly to do so.

Existing economic agencies North and South would continue to be funded by and operate under the direction of their respective administrations.

A body with the following functions:

Until the conclusion of the current Community Initiatives

w the central secretariat, monitoring, research, evaluation, technical assistance and development roles currently exercised jointly in respect of INTERREG and PEACE by the Department of Finance and the Department of Finance and Personnel;

w administration of certain sectoral sub-programmes under INTERREG and PEACE (interest rate subsidy and cross-border co-operation between public bodies).

In relation to post-1999 Structural Funds

w advising North/South Ministerial Council and two Departments of Finance on negotiation with the EU Commission of post-1999 Community Initiatives and of Common Chapter;

w preparing, for the approval of the two administrations in the Council and in close consultation with the two Departments of Finance and other relevant Departments, detailed programme proposals under the new Community Initiatives (likely to be INTERREG III, LEADER III and EQUAL, and possibly a successor to PEACE);

w Central Secretariat, monitoring, research, evaluation, technical assistance and development roles in respect of these Initiatives;

w grant-making and other managerial functions in respect of INTERREG III and of north-south elements of programmes under other Initiatives, within the framework of the relevant overall policies of North and South respectively, and subject to the expenditure allocations and specific programme parameters agreed between the two administrations and with the EU Commission;

w monitoring and promoting implementation of the Common Chapter, which would have a specific budgetary allocation.

One body, with two separate parts, with the following functions:

Irish Language

w promotion of the Irish language;

w facilitating and encouraging its use in speech and writing in public and private life in the South and, in the context of Part III of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, in Northern Ireland where there is appropriate demand;

w advising both administrations, public bodies and other groups in the private and voluntary sectors;

w undertaking supportive projects and grant-aiding bodies and groups as considered necessary;

w undertaking research, promotional campaigns, and public and media relations;

w developing terminology and dictionaries;

w supporting Irish-medium education and the teaching of Irish.

Ulster Scots

w promotion of greater awareness and use of Ullans and of Ulster Scots cultural issues, both within Northern Ireland and throughout the island.

A body with the following functions:

Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough

w promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough, for commercial and recreational purposes;

w existing functions of Foyle Fisheries Commission in regard to inland fisheries conservation, protection, management and development, and equivalent functions in respect of Carlingford Lough;

w development and licensing of aquaculture;

w development of marine tourism.

Lighthouses

w existing functions of the Commissioners of Irish Lights (CIL) in respect of providing and maintaining aids to navigation along the coast of the whole island of Ireland and its adjacent seas and islands.

Given that the CIL functions in an East-West context, arrangements to maintain linkage with the relevant British authorities.

In accordance with paragraphs 8 and 9 (i) of Strand Two of the Agreement, at least six matters are to be identified and agreed for co-operation through the mechanism of existing bodies in each separate jurisdiction.

The matters below have been identified as suitable for initial consideration by the NSMC in this regard. It would be open to the NSMC, by agreement between the two sides, to consider other matters.

Strategic planning and development of cross-border co-operation in transport: while co-operation would primarily arise in respect of road and rail planning, it would take account of issues arising in the port and airport sectors; road and rail safety.

Discussion of CAP issues, Animal and Plant Health Policy and Research; Rural Development.

Education for Children with Special Needs (eg autism, hearing impairment); Educational Underachievement; Teacher Qualifications; School, Youth and Teacher Exchanges.

Accident and emergency planning; co-operation on high technology equipment; cancer research; health promotion.

Research into environmental protection; water quality management and waste management in cross-border context.

Establishment of publicly-owned limited company as set out below.

A publicly-owned limited company will be established by Bord Failte and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board to provide the following services:

w planning and delivering international tourism marketing programmes, including programmes in partnership with the industry North and South;

w publication and dissemination in overseas markets of information of a balanced and comprehensive nature on the island of Ireland as a tourist destination which must reflect the diverse traditions, forms of cultural expression, and identities within the island;

w market research, provision of information and other appropriate assistance to help the industry develop international marketing expertise;

w co-operation with, consulting, and assisting other bodies or associations in carrying out such activities;

w carrying out surveys and collecting relevant statistics and information.

The new company would subsume the existing Overseas Tourism Marketing Initiative. It would carry out overseas marketing and promotion activity for Bord Failte and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, and would establish overseas offices for that purpose.

The company's Articles of Association and Memorandum, which would establish its overall strategic objectives, would be agreed by the two administrations.

The board of the new company would be appointed by the two administrations after consultation with the existing tourist boards and relevant industry interests and with their involvement.

The operations of the new company would be monitored by the existing tourist boards, and by the relevant Northern Ireland and Irish Government Ministers meeting as appropriate under the auspices of the NSMC.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board would continue to have access to the services of the British Tourist Authority. There would be clear guidance to the company that is promotional efforts should take account of the need to develop tourism in Northern Ireland against the background of the particular problems faced by the industry there over the past thirty years.

In accordance with Standing Order 21 of the Initial Standing Orders of the New Northern Ireland Assembly, we hereby determine:

a. that there shall be ten Ministerial offices as set out in column 1 of the Table below; and

b. that the holder of each such office shall, as from the day appointed under section 3(1) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, be in charge of the Northern Ireland Department specified in relation to that office in column 2 of the Table and shall exercise the functions of Minister of that Department.