Northern Ireland

Congress notes that the recent political instability has left a political vacuum in Northern Ireland at an incredibly challenging time in light of seeking to deal with the consequences of the triggering of Article 50 and the forthcoming Brexit process. Congress re af rms its support for the principle of devolution as outlined and enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement and will seek the following from the Executive (or in the absence of an Executive the British government) in order to make local devolved government more relevant and responsive to the needs of workers. That the parties reaffirm and commit to support the principles and practice of power sharing as envisaged under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, particularly given the nature of the divided society in Northern Ireland. That in the event of Brexit whereby Northern Ireland is taken out of the EU against the will of the people, the rights which the people have acquired through EU membership are maintained. That the Assembly/Executive also agree to transpose future progressive EU directives in the areas/competencies  that are devolved, e.g. employment rights amongst others. That the Executive develop (in conjunction with the trade union movement and other relevant interested parties) a comprehensive industrial strategy for Northern Ireland that supports the creation of decent quality employment and promotes the important skills agenda. Welfare reform mitigations agreed under the Fresh Start agreement must be guaranteed and adequately funded to fully and permanently offset the additional and deliberate burdens, such as the Bedroom Tax, on the working poor and other citizens entitled to support through the benefits system. Congress reiterates its opposition to the punitive values expressed in this vision of welfare reform and reasserts is support for a humane welfare system which targets objective need. Implementation of any welfare reform has to take into account  the special circumstances that apply in Northern Ireland. Housing is a right for every citizen and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive has demonstrated for more than 40 years its ability to provide for citizens in an impartial way and is truly one of the very few success stories to come out of decades of con ict. Congress supports maintaining the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) as a publicly accountable Housing Authority and the promotion of an adequate supply of social housing to meet objective need. Congress repeats it demand made each year since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement that its commitment to a comprehensive Bill of Rights be honoured. 2018 marks the 20th anniversary of the Agreement and its rati cation by the people of both jurisdictions. The GFA is an international peace treaty and not a political deal which can be selectively implemented at the whim of whomsoever is in power. The people voted for a Bill of Rights and they must have the Bill of Rights they deserve and desire.