Written question asked by Kevin McNamara (Labour) on Friday, 7 June 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 5 July 2002. It was answered by Jane Kennedy (Labour) on Friday, 5 July 2002 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what (a) units and (b) programmes he has established to develop the work of his Department since devolution; what units and programmes (i) ceased and (ii) began to be run down after devolution; and what functional units and programmes continue.

Answer: Mr. McNamara: :To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what (a) units and (b) programmes he has established to develop the work of his Department since devolution; what units and programmes (i) ceased and (ii) began to be run down after devolution; and what functional units and programmes continue. [60851] Jane Kennedy: :Devolution did not significantly change the functions of the Northern Ireland Office, since the responsibilities transferred on 2 December 1999 were already managed by the separate Northern Ireland departments. The duties of the Secretary of State and his ministerial colleagues were, however, substantially reduced and private offices have been streamlined accordingly. In addition teams established to provide support for the Talks process and for the enactment of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 have been wound up. New teams have been established to take forward work on policing, criminal justice and prisons issues. A full description of the ongoing work of the Northern Ireland Office is given in the Department Report, published on 14 June (CM 5432).

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 60851; 388 c646W;388 c648W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Devolution Departmental responsibilities Functions Ministerial duties Northern Ireland Office
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk