Written question asked by Lord Hylton (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Royall of Blaisdon (Labour) on Monday, 13 October 2008.

St Andrews Agreement

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:How much time they expect will be needed for the full implementation of the St Andrews agreement; and how they are assessing that process.

Answer: Significant progress has been made on the implementation of the St Andrews agreement. Discussions between the Northern Ireland parties on those elements of the agreement which relate to the devolution of policing and justice continue. It is for the parties to agree how and when these powers will devolve. There are also important issues relating to areas already devolved which the Executive need to resolve. The Government regret that the Executive have not met since June. The Government urge the parties to agree a way forward which enables the Executive to resume regular meetings and enables devolution to be completed as soon as possible. The Government believe that there is no single issue that the parties cannot resolve through constructive dialogue, if they are willing to do so, and welcome recent statements by the First and Deputy First Ministers committing them to such dialogue. The Secretary of State assesses progress through his contacts and meetings with the party leaders and with the First and Deputy First Ministers. The Government remain committed to working with the parties to ensure the successful implementation of the St Andrews agreement.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 5373; 704 c41-2WA
Session: 2007-08
Related items: St Andrews Agreement
Tuesday, 4 November 2008
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Devolution Northern Ireland government St Andrews Agreement
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk