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Northern Ireland Act 2000 (Modification) Order 2006

Once again, I thank the Minister for bringing forward the order. I join him in his regret that it is necessary and agree with him that it is necessary. I am encouraged to hear his optimism. I am not sure that he meant to be optimistic in saying that we are approaching some form of solution for the devolvement of power to Northern Ireland. We have read of some debate and discussion about the Government bringing an interim assembly into being. From a party point of view, we have no major comment on that if it will take us in the right direction. However, I seek reassurance from the Minister that before full devolvement—before power is fully restored to the Northern Ireland Assembly—it is understood that there must be a complete cessation of criminal activity by Sinn Fein/IRA and, more importantly, a commitment by all parties, including Sinn Fein, to the British criminal justice system and to the PSNI. That is vital, it will remain vital, and I do not suppose there is any argument, even within government, that there is any way round it. I assure the Minister that we believe there is no way round it. Furthermore, I would like a little more reassurance from the Minister that if Her Majesty’s Government do not succeed in the short term in restoring devolution to Northern Ireland there will be no such thing as a joint authority between London and Dublin. Other than that, I support the order.