“I hope that this can be the beginning of renewed interest in open government.” Leaders brief Northern Ireland Assembly
On Wednesday 4th December, representatives of the Northern Ireland Open Government Network briefed the Committee for Finance at the Northern Ireland Assembly on the current precarious state of Open Government in Northern Ireland.
They included Rebekah McCabe (Chair), Colm Burns, and Andrew Bolster.
The open remarks prepared by the Chair can be read here and viewed below.
Rebekah McCabe, said: “I want to share the opening remarks I prepared below, and I will also follow up with the Hansard record when that’s published, because the discussion, led by committee members’ questions, was interesting and insightful.”
“It’s been a slow and disappointing few years for us. After a strong start 10 years ago, commitment to open government by the Executive has waned, and there has been backsliding of some commitments while our neighbours to the south and east have forged ahead. Our purpose as an organisation derives from our collaboration and partnership with government counterparts.”
“Without action from the Executive, we struggle to engage our members, secure funding, and, if I’m honest, to maintain the momentum and enthusiasm required by a volunteer-led organisation. We’ve persevered because we see the potential, and will continue to do so, but we need government to play their part too. We need champions in the Assembly, the Executive, and the civil service. I hope that this can be the beginning of renewed interest in Open Government from within the Assembly.”
You can watch the proceedings here.