Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Eddie McGrady (Social Democratic & Labour Party). It was answered by Shaun Woodward (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 February 2010 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Criminal Justice and Policing (Devolution)

Question: What assessment he has made of the outcomes of the recent talks at Hillsborough between the Northern Ireland political parties; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: The Hillsborough talks established by my right. hon. Friend the Prime Minister and the Taoiseach last week have now continued for eight days. The British and Irish Governments helped to establish a basis and a pathway on which we believed it would be possible for the parties to reach a reasonable agreement. Considerable progress has been made. With good political will, we believe that the parties should soon be able to reach a reasonable agreement.

Secondary information