To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on plans to establish a new model for engaging with civic society; including progress on a civic advisory panel as proposed in the Stormont House Agreement.

The Stormont House Agreement recognised that it is important that civic voices are heard and civic views are considered in relation to key social, cultural and economic issues. A new engagement model was envisaged, based on the establishment of a compact civic advisory panel.

The next steps for the establishment of the panel were set out in the Stormont Agreement and Implementation Plan of 17 November 2015. A panel of six people will be established by the Executive. It will be tasked by the Executive to consider specific strategic issues relevant to the Programme for Government and report to the Executive. It may also propose subjects that it wishes to consider and seek Executive agreement to do so. The panel will seek the views of a wide range of representatives and stakeholders from civic society. Panel members, including the Chair will be identified and appointed by OFMDFM.

Agreed terms of reference for the panel were set out at Appendix F7 of the Stormont Agreement and Implementation Plan.