This would include having to give reasons for the rejection of such recommendations, where that was the case. Thereby a dialogue would be developed. The Belfast agreement says very explicitly that the forum would be appointed by the two administrations, that it would be representative of civil society, and that it would involve the social partners and others with expertise in economic, cultural and social issues. The detail of how it would be formed is, however, less clear. This leaves a key role for civil society, to consider and to propose how it might be done.
T here are probably two main options.
One would be to draw the member ship from the Civic Forum in Northern Ireland and the NESF in the republic. Alternatively, and preferably, one could create a totally new organisation focusing on north-south initiatives this would bring in a wider range of people. It should be quite large, because it should be as inclusive as possible. One approach, rather than having just one formal forum, would be to have a number of standing committees on key issues, coming together periodically in plenary format. That way one could secure broad involvement but also sustain focused work.