20 April 2010 - Robinson and McGuinness launch consultation on parades

The draft legislation contains proposals for a new and improved framework for the handling of public assemblies here, including parades and protests.

The First Minister said: "Following the agreement reached at Hillsborough Castle on 5 February, we set a challenging timetable for the Working Group on Parades to produce a report. The group presented its report to us on 23 February. Today we publish the draft legislation for public consultation."

The deputy First Minister said: "A consultation process across a range of stakeholders including public representatives and representatives of residents’ groups has informed the report. We look forward to considering the comments and submissions received in response to the draft document in the coming months."

The public consultation will run for 12 weeks from 20 April to 14 July 2010, with responses to be received no later than 1.00pm on 14 July 2010.

The consultation document can be found at http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/featured-consultation/ 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.