To ask the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to identify one key goal in the draft Programme for Government 2008-11, within each government department, that will promote good relations.

The Programme for Government aims to provide a strategic framework and focus across Government to address the key challenges the Executive face and grasp the opportunities available to build a better future for everyone. Those challenges are cross-cutting and they can only be addressed by a joined-up and co-ordinated approach across Government, rather than a narrow focus on departmental areas of responsibility. Recognising this, the key goals outlined in the Programme for Government are not framed along departmental lines, but are goals for the entire Executive.

Every one of the priorities and key goals in the draft Programme for Government, will contribute to the Executive's aim of building a peaceful, fair and prosperous society in Northern Ireland, with respect for the rule of law and where everyone can enjoy a better quality of life now and in years to come. The Executive's priority is to promote tolerance, inclusion and health and wellbeing as set out in the Programme for Government.

Every government department has a statutory duty to promote good relations under section 75(2) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and, as the deputy First Minister stated during oral answers to questions to the First Minister and deputy First Minister on 22 October, “we will bring forward detailed proposals for a programme of cohesion and integration”. We will bring forward detailed plans early in the New Year.

The Executive recognises that effectively promoting good relations requires action not only to promote tolerance, but also to address inequalities, disadvantage and exclusion both at a local and regional level, and ensure that everyone can contribute to and benefit from increased prosperity and live in sustainable, safe and attractive environments.

This approach is reflected throughout the draft Programme for Government document and is directly addressed under a number of the key goals and the associated PSA framework. Delivery of the overall Programme for Government will therefore, contribute to the promotion of good relations.