Written question asked by Eddie McGrady (Social Democratic & Labour Party) on Monday, 24 November 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 26 November 2008. It was answered by Shaun Woodward (Labour) on Wednesday, 26 November 2008 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Devolution

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received on the implications of (a) the agreement between the Democratic Unionist Party and Sinn Fein on devolution of policing and justice and (b) the other main political parties in Northern Ireland not being party to this agreement.

Answer: The historic agreement announced by the First and deputy First Ministers on 18 November sets out the process that will lead to the transfer of policing and justice powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly. The transfer of powers remains subject to agreement within the Assembly and will require cross-community support, as set out in section 4 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. All Northern Ireland parties will therefore be involved in the Assembly's decisions about which powers should be transferred and when.

Secondary information