Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Eddie McGrady (Social Democratic & Labour Party). It was answered on Wednesday, 24 May 2006 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Assembly

Question: May I refer the Secretary of State to his statement that he would make a further proclamation this week about creating a restoration committee for Northern Ireland, which he hopes that the party leaders will attend? Does not he believe that that might frustrate the work of the Assembly, the primary purpose of which is to restore Executive functions? What gives him the hope that, for example, the party leaders, who will not come together in the Assembly, will do so outside it in a restoration committee? Does not that make the shadow Assembly of even less substance by transferring its primary function outside that body?

Answer: I am giving further consideration to representations from all the parties, including the hon. Gentleman’s, on the proposal for a committee to prepare for restored government. I am listening carefully to what people are saying, and there is a case for it. I know that he will understand that the proposal made by Sir Reg Empey of the Ulster Unionist party is not a model that I favour and that it has not found favour with the other parties. We must continue the consultations until I am in a position to move forward.

Secondary information