The draft document was debated by MLAs in the Assembly today (Monday). It contains a series of priorities, including safer communities, an improved environment, reduced health waiting lists and enhanced childcare provision. The public consultation will run until November.

Speaking after meeting the First and deputy First Minister at Stormont, the South Belfast MLA stated: “It is welcome to see all four Executive parties providing a united front not just to present a draft document, but also to encourage public participation in the consultation on it.

“There were undoubtedly challenges in reaching this stage, not least the reduced mandate due to the most recent political impasse. Some challenges remain, including the budgetary situation, and delivering much of what is outlined in the document will be dependent on genuine reform accompanied by a fairer financial package.

“However, there is no doubt it is particularly welcome finally to see an announcement of a strategy to end violence against women and girls, which Alliance has been calling for consistently over the last months and years. Northern Ireland has an appalling and unacceptable rate of violence against females, and I hope this strategy and associated action plan goes a large way towards tackling that.

“Additionally, it is encouraging to see the extension of the tackling paramilitarism, criminality and organised crime programme. I hope the UK Government will now provide match local funding, so we can see the vital work of this programme continue for another three years.

“What is required to implement the programme is hard work over the next three years. I would again call on the First Minister and deputy First Minister to state categorically, given the urgency and importance of the issues under discussion, that they will under no circumstances collapse the institutions. Without such a statement, the need for reform to end the sectarian veto remains obvious.

“I encourage people to participate in the consultation and to make their views known on the direction of travel they want to see for Northern Ireland and its government over the rest of this mandate.”