Executive urges everyone to have their say to help create a better society

The Northern Ireland Executive today launched a consultation on the new draft Programme for Government (PfG) Outcomes Framework.

Programme for Government infographic

The Programme for Government focuses on achieving wellbeing across our society, and the draft Framework sets out nine ambitious Outcomes aimed at making a real and positive difference to people’s lives.

The Executive is calling on all citizens to have their say to help build a better society for all.

First Minister, Arlene Foster said: “The Executive is determined to deliver for all the people of Northern Ireland.

“Each of the nine draft outcomes in the Framework is focussed on our shared vision of a better future for everyone. We want to develop a strong economy which benefits everyone and build a society in which we value and take care of people of all ages. We want this to be a place where we look after our environment and where we encourage and support everyone to reach their potential. 

“This draft Framework is the first step towards putting a Programme in place that will help us tackle, head on, the wide range of issues we all face.

“These have been unprecedented times. Covid-19 has turned life, as we knew it, on its head. As an Executive, we are committed to steering Northern Ireland through these challenges and towards building a better future for our society.

“We want to hear your views on the draft Outcomes as well as the key priorities we have identified which will help turn them into reality.”

The deputy First Minister said: “We all have a part to play in building a better future. The Programme for Government belongs to us all, and I urge everyone to get involved in this consultation process.

“Every member of our society has been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.  Individuals, families, businesses, workers and the health service have faced so many challenges over the last year. Now, more than ever, we must prioritise the things that matter most to people and the Executive is absolutely committed to delivering that.

“We want our children and young people to have the best start in life and for everyone to live long, healthy, active lives. We want an equal and inclusive society where everyone is valued and treated with respect. 

“These are some of the Executive’s proposed goals, but they can’t be delivered by government alone. This is a collaborative, Outcomes-based approach, in which we must all work together to tackle the important issues facing society and make a real impact on peoples’ lives.”

Programme for Government infographic

The Outcomes approach involves government working across departmental boundaries and engaging with delivery partners in other sectors - with business and trade groups and the private sector more generally, with voluntary and community groups and with local government. Everyone can play a part make an impression on this Outcomes-based PfG.

The eight week consultation closes on 22 March 2021. The Executive wants to receive views from across all of society. You can arrange an online meeting with the PfG team in The Executive Office to help inform your thinking before providing your online consultation response. Details of how to get in touch, as well as access to the consultation documents and a link to the online survey are available at: www.northernireland.gov.uk/pfg

Notes to editors: 

1. The nine draft Outcomes are:

• Our children and young people have the best start in life
• We live and work sustainably – protecting the environment
• We have an equal and inclusive society where everyone is valued and treated with respect
• We all enjoy long, healthy, active, lives
• Everyone can reach their potential
• Our economy is globally competitive, regionally balanced and carbon-neutral
• Everyone feels safe – we all respect the law and each other
• We have a caring society that supports people throughout their lives
• People want to live, work, and visit here

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