Question Time: Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister Monday 5 October 2015
Basil McCrea
asked deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, to outline the departmental
remit in relation to the flying of flags in public places during today’s Question
Time. The flags protocol was agreed by OFMDFM and various organisations in
2005. A review of the protocol was to commence in 2009 but was postponed
pending the review of the good relations policy. A further review was attempted
in 2011 but progress stalled due to all-party talks chaired by Richard Haass
which made recommendations on the flags issue. The 2014 Stormont House
Agreement commits to establishing a commission that will examine a number of
areas, including flags, identity, culture and tradition. The commission will
produce a report after a period of 18 months. After Mr McCrea pointed out that
a NI
Life and Times survey shows that many people find flags and murals
unappealing, the deputy First Minister replied “I always wonder about the
accuracy of some of these surveys, but the reality, as we know, is that this is
a vexed issue going back many decades, and a resolution needs to be found. Thus
far, collectively, we have failed to find a resolution. There is a huge
responsibility now, particularly in the context of the ongoing discussions, to
find a way forward that meets the approval of all the parties in the House”.
The deputy First Minister went on to add “flaunting flags, whether British
national flags or Irish national flags, in people's faces for provocative
reasons is very unpalatable. It is not grown-up. We need to get to a situation
where we recognise the need for maturity in how we deal with each other with
dignity and respect in our community. ”
Mr
McGuinness also answered questions on childcare in light of Westminster’s
Childcare Bill, which will increase the amount of free preschool childcare
available to working parents in England. Mr McGuinness acknowledged the
Westminster Bill and “the Executive have committed to provide a year's funded
preschool education to every family that wants it” adding “the primary purpose
of the preschool education programme is educational and focused on the
development of the child. A positive consequence is that parents can enter the
workforce.” However “currently there are no plans to extend the number of hours
provided under the preschool education programme, but that does not preclude
consideration of such provision in the future.” In addition the Executive’s
draft childcare strategy is open for public consultation until mid-November. The
draft
childcare strategy has two high-level aims: to promote child development
and to enable parents to join the workforce. Each of those will, in turn, contribute
to enhanced levels of economic activity, greater equality and social inclusion
and reduced child poverty, thereby delivering social change.
In addition
Mr McGuinness also answered questions on the Pensioners’ Parliament, the Social
investment Fund, the Shackleton site at Ballykelly, the Sustainable Development
Strategy and Syrian refugees.
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