Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Alasdair McDonnell (Social Democratic & Labour Party). It was answered by Lord Hanson of Flint (Labour) on Tuesday, 12 December 2006 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Grand Committee.

Washington Bureau

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what plans there are for the development of the Northern Ireland bureau in Washington; and whether the next director will be appointed by open and public competition.

Answer: The bureau will continue to develop its strategy of promoting Northern Ireland as an internationally focused, successful region and develop relationships with targeted organisations and regions in the United States. Priority sectors will include economic development and science and technology. The bureau’s post of director will be filled from within the Northern Ireland civil service. If a suitable internal candidate cannot be identified, an external recruitment competition may be needed.

Secondary information