AQW 13394/22-27 Written question to the First Minister and deputy First Minister
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for their assessment of the Joint Flags Protocol 2005.
Asked by Connie Egan MLA on 14 June 2024
- Answered
- Written
- After due date
- Tabled
- 14 June 2024
- Answer due by
- 1 July 2024
- Answered
- 22 November 2024161 days after tabling
- Department
- The Executive Office
- Priority question
- No
Answer
At a community level we have seen examples of where the Joint Flags Protocol has worked well, with community organisations working with political representatives and other agencies to find solutions to issues through consensus and discussion.
We recognise, though, that work around flags continues to be one of our society’s challenging issues. Finding consensus on a way forward on such issues can be challenging. However, recent Assembly debates confirm there is shared opposition to offensive displays such as paramilitary flags.
Issues related to flags were considered most recently by the Commission for Flags, Identity, Culture and Traditions (FICT). We are currently considering a submission from officials outlining possible next steps in relation to issues associated with the FICT report.