Written question asked by Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb (Green Party) on Thursday, 23 March 2017, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 6 April 2017. It was answered by Lord Dunlop (Conservative) on Monday, 3 April 2017 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Government

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have any plans to bring forward legislation to prevent a second Northern Ireland Assembly election this year if there is no agreement to form a new Executive.

Answer: The Government remains focused on re-establishing an inclusive, devolved government that the overwhelming majority of the people in Northern Ireland want to see. Progress has been made in recent discussions which provide a basis for further intensive discussions to resolve outstanding issues. If these further talks are successful, it would be the Government’s intention quickly to bring forward legislation after the Easter recess to allow an Executive to be formed and avoid a second Assembly election. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland will be keeping the situation under close review.

Secondary information