Robinson and McGuinness publish Code of Conduct for consultation

First Minister Rt. Hon Peter D Robinson, MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP, MLA today launched consultation on the draft Code of Conduct relating to the Public Assemblies, Parades and Protests Bill (Northern Ireland).

The draft Code of Conduct will provide guidance to organisers of public assemblies, parades and related protests, participants (including third party participants) and non-participants on their conduct.

The First Minister said: “One of the outcomes of the Hillsborough Agreement was the establishment of a working group, committed to the development of a new and improved framework fashioned by all stakeholders and maximising cross community support, to deal with the issue of public assemblies, including parades and protests.

“Following the publication of the draft legislation for consultation in April, the working group has now completed its work on a proposed Code of Conduct that we will also make available for consultation from today.”

The deputy First Minister said: “Responses to the formal consultation process on the draft legislation have helped to inform and develop the considerations of the working group. It is vitally important that stakeholders, residents groups and those seeking to parade contribute to the development of the Code of Conduct.”

“We look forward to considering the comments and submissions received in the coming weeks and months.”

The public consultation will run for 12 weeks from 23 June to 14 September 2010 with responses to be received no later than 4pm.

The consultation document can be found at http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/featured-consultations/ and all comments or submissions in response to this consultation should be e-mailed to publicassemblies.consultation@ofmdfmni.gov.uk or posted to;

All other requests or correspondence in relation to this consultation can be sent to either of the addresses above.

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