WIREDGOV

The Assembly Commission has yesterday announced that it has agreed four days for the lighting of Parliament Buildings in relevant colours.

Under the Commission's external lighting policy, the Commission can agree up to four days to light up Parliament Buildings each year. A limited number of additional days each year will also be considered by the Commission on request from charitable, community or non-profit organisations or in relation to specific events.

The four days on which the Commission have agreed to light the building are as follows:

• 9th March (purple) to mark International Women's Day
• 17th March (green) to mark St Patrick's Day
• 12th July (orange)
• 11th November (red) to mark Remembrance Day

The Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, and Chair of the Assembly Commission, Mitchel McLaughlin MLA said: "As the home of the Assembly, Parliament Buildings should set a lead in demonstrating respect to all sections of our community. I therefore commend the very constructive role Assembly Commission members have played in reaching consensus on this list of days on which the Building will be lit containing days will be of more or less significance to every party.

"The fact that on these days "the house on the hill" will be seen lit up from miles around will I hope send a positive message of the agreement that is possible and that deserves credit."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

The Assembly Commission is chaired by the Speaker and consists of five other Assembly Members;
Chairperson, the Speaker: Mr Mitchel McLaughlin
Mr Peter Weir DUP
Ms Caitríona Ruane SF
Mr Samuel Gardiner MBE UUP
Mr Pat Ramsey SDLP
Ms Judith Cochrane ALLIANCE