Prime Minister John Howard has moved to address concerns about the Government's commitment to reconciliation under new plans for the delivery of Indigenous programs.

The Government wants to abolish the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) and transfer its programs to mainstream departments.

Under the changes, "the promotion of reconciliation" was initially removed from the role of the Department of Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs.

It was replaced with emphasing "Indigenous policy coordination".

Mr Howard says the phrase will be reinstated so there is no doubt that reconciliation remains a priority of the Government.