In recent years the Government has more than fulfilled its commitments on social inclusion made under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness. Significant progress has been made toward the core objective of bringing about a fairer and inclusive society. I know that the negotiations which have just started in relation to a successor agreement will raise a considerable number of difficult issues. However, I am confident that the spirit of partnership will allow these to be addressed in a spirit of mutual co-operation and in the belief that the gains at national level of the period since partnership began can once again be secured.