HERZLIYA CONFERENCE 2008

PROGRAMME FOR GOVERNMENT 2008 – 2011 AIM – To build a prosperous, fair and inclusive society supported by a vibrant and dynamic economy and a rich and sustainable environmental heritage. KEY PRINCIPLES – We will repay your trust by: Providing good leadership and working energetically in the interests of everyone; Delivering fair outcomes and social improvements.

HERZLIYA CONFERENCE 2008 PROGRAMME FOR GOVERNMENT 2008 – 2011 ‘We must continue our efforts to address divisions within our society. Progress has been made but sectarianism, racism and intolerance are still too evident. They mar our reputation, blight our economic prospects and have a corrosive effect on our society. It is imperative that we all embrace the opportunity to create a better future, based on tolerance and respect for cultural diversity.’

HERZLIYA CONFERENCE 2008 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EQUALITY AND GOOD RELATIONS ASF Vision - ‘to establish, over time, a shared society defined by a culture of tolerance: a normal, civic society in which all individuals are considered as equals, where differences are resolved through dialogue in the public sphere and where all individuals are treated impartially. A society where there is equity, respect for diversity and recognition of our independence.’ RES Vision - ‘a society in which racial diversity is supported, understood, valued and respected, where racism in any of its forms is not tolerated and where we live together as a society and enjoy equality of opportunity and equal protection.’ Mutual dependence and reinforcing nature of equality and good relations – neither can be fully achieved without the other.

HERZLIYA CONFERENCE 2008 FIRST MINISTER AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTERS’ PLEDGE OF OFFICE “To pledge: (a) to discharge in good faith all the duties of office; (b) commitment to non-violence and exclusively peaceful and democratic means; (c) to serve all the people of Northern Ireland equally, and to act in accordance with the general obligations on government to promote equality and prevent discrimination; (ca) to promote the interests of the whole community represented in the Northern Ireland Assembly towards the goal of a shared future.

HERZLIYA CONFERENCE 2008 PROGRAMME FOR GOVERNMENT 2008 – 2011 PRIORITY ONE: Promote tolerance, inclusion, health and well being. ‘Advancing social transformation and the inclusion of all our people is essential if we are to deliver the peaceful, prosperous, fair and healthy society we all want.’

HERZLIYA CONFERENCE 2008 TURNING POLICY INTO REALITY - KEY DRIVERS Relationships between Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness; Example of power sharing Government Executive; Leadership to achieve a shared, inclusive future; Published Cross-Government commitments and action plans; Head of Northern Ireland Civil Service.

HERZLIYA CONFERENCE 2008 TURNING POLICY INTO REALITY - KEY INSTITUTIONS Northern Ireland Assembly; Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister; Community Relations Council; Equality Commission for Northern Ireland; Northern Ireland Human Right Commission; All 11 Northern Ireland Government Departments.

HERZLIYA CONFERENCE 2008 TURNING POLICY INTO REALITY - KEY LEGISLATION Section 75(2) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 states: ‘Without prejudice to its obligation under subsection (1), a public authority shall in carrying out is functions relating to Northern Ireland have regard to the desirability of promoting good relations between persons of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group.’

HERZLIYA CONFERENCE 2008 TURNING POLICY INTO REALITY - KEY LEGISLATION CONTINUED The Race Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 place a general statutory duty on District Councils that: ‘Without prejudice to its obligation to comply with any other provision of the Order, it shall be the duty of a district council to make appropriate arrangements with a view to securing that its various functions are carried out with due regard to the need – - to eliminate unlawful racial discrimination, and - to promote equality of opportunity, and good relations, between persons of different racial groups.’

HERZLIYA CONFERENCE 2008 QUESTION: Why does the government in Northern Ireland accept a role for itself in building a shared, equal and inclusive future for our increasingly diverse community? ANSWER: ‘3’