Future of Parades Commission up for discussion

The Northern Ireland Office has published a consultation report that recommends replacing the Parades Commission with two new bodies.

Sir George Quigley who was appointed by the former Secretary of State Dr John Reid in November 2001 to carry out a review of the parades body delivered his report today.

The report, released on Thursday recommends replacing the Parades Commission, which is chaired by Tony Holland, with the creation of two separate bodies.

The first, 'The Rights Panel for Parades and Protests' will rule on human rights issues, while the second, known as the 'Parades Facilitation Agency' will facilitate negotiations between marchers and residents.

In his report Sir George said: "The touchstone by which I have tested my proposals is fairness."

He added: "I am confident that, given an open and co-operative relationship between those on either side of the parades dispute and the regulatory process which I propose, the situation can be progressively transformed so that there is ‘further confidence on all sides, respect for the rights of all and the peaceful resolution of disputes’.

Commenting on the report newly appointed Secretary of State Paul Murphy said the report was substantial and contained wide-ranging recommendations.

"I intend to allow the period up to the end of January 2003 for public consultation, before coming to a considered view on how best to respond.

"No changes will be introduced, therefore, until the 2004 marching season," he said.

The review also calls for the creation of a 'facilitation network' supported by a chief facilitation officer who would spearhead the search for local accommodation between warring communities.

The review states: "It should be made plain on the face of the legislation that the object of the Facilitation function is to build mutual trust and confidence by promoting mediation as the primary mechanism for resolving disputes."

(AMcE)