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This is the last time I will bother the House and the Prime Minister with a question—I am sure he is greatly relieved about that. I would like to associate myself and my colleagues with the words of condolence spoken in the House today. This is a sad and tragic hour in our nation, and rumours of war and wars are common. There is sorrow in hearts. Of course, people bury their dead; they put up their monument, but their heart is torn. I have been in too many houses like that in the north of Ireland not to know how deep the cuts are.
In view of the situation that we have here, and its sadness and its sorrow, and the dark shadow that lies upon the whole of our world today, I ask the Prime Minister to continue to give himself, as always, to the task of deliverance and victory and peace—and may it come speedily.
This is the last time I will bother the House and the Prime Minister with a question—I am sure he is greatly relieved about that. I would like to associate myself and my colleagues with the words of condolence spoken in the House today. This is a sad and tragic hour in our nation, and rumours of war and wars are common. There is sorrow in hearts. Of course, people bury their dead; they put up their monument, but their heart is torn. I have been in too many houses like that in the north of Ireland not to know how deep the cuts are.
In view of the situation that we have here, and its sadness and its sorrow, and the dark shadow that lies upon the whole of our world today, I ask the Prime Minister to continue to give himself, as always, to the task of deliverance and victory and peace—and may it come speedily.
Asked by
Lord Bannside
(Democratic Unionist Party)
Answering body
Prime Minister
Prime Minister's questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
24 March 2010
I think the whole House will want to pay tribute to the right hon. Gentleman for a long and distinguished career, not just in this House but in a number of forums. That includes his position as First Minister of Northern Ireland. I believe that the part he played in bringing the Unionist community together—indeed, bringing the whole community together in Northern Ireland—to ensure that we had devolution of power, and to ensure that the process of devolution of power was completed, will adorn the history books in many decades and centuries to come. On this day and on this occasion, I want the whole House to thank him for his service to the House and to the whole community.
Subjects
Northern Ireland government; Winter fuel payment
Date
24 March 2010
Reference
508 c246-8
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Will the Secretary of State make a statement on the serious rioting in Londonderry at the weekend? When illegal parades on the Protestant side of the community take place, an attempt by the police to stop those involved from gathering is usually successful, but it seems that in the incident in question people could gather. In fact, for the first time in a very long time, 40 petrol bombs were recovered by the police, and there was a savage attack on the police in Londonderry. Would the Secretary of State not think it better, at this time, to concentrate on helping the police, rather than to enter into an engagement on whether power should be devolved to Stormont? Any organisation that has an army council associated with violence should not have anything to do with the police.
Will the Secretary of State make a statement on the serious rioting in Londonderry at the weekend? When illegal parades on the Protestant side of the community take place, an attempt by the police to stop those involved from gathering is usually successful, but it seems that in the incident in question people could gather. In fact, for the first time in a very long time, 40 petrol bombs were recovered by the police, and there was a savage attack on the police in Londonderry. Would the Secretary of State not think it better, at this time, to concentrate on helping the police, rather than to enter into an engagement on whether power should be devolved to Stormont? Any organisation that has an army council associated with violence should not have anything to do with the police.
Asked by
Lord Bannside
(Democratic Unionist Party)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
26 March 2008
I think that this is the first chance that I have had since the right hon. Gentleman announced that he will stand down as First Minister in May to put on record in the House what a huge debt the House owes him for the work that he has done, both in leading his party and as First Minister.
On the events that the right hon. Gentleman mentioned in Londonderry, I think that no sensibly minded person would do anything, in any shape or form, other than condemn the behaviour on the streets over the weekend. Petrol bombs and attacks on the police are a thing of the past and should be utterly condemned. I remind all hon. Members that this weekend Sinn Fein were as strong as any in condemning the activity that took place. He is right to talk about the importance of devolution of policing and criminal justice, and to point out the attention that the Government continue to pay to the issue. I just say to him that, while I condemn without reservation the behaviour of those criminals on the streets in Londonderry this weekend, I make no apology for continuing to encourage momentum on devolution, because that is the best way for us to secure long-term peace on the streets of every part of Northern Ireland.
Subjects
Devolution; Northern Ireland; Terrorism; Civil disorder; Londonderry; Proscribed organisations
Date
26 March 2008
Reference
474 c175
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Would the Prime Minister give to the people of Northern Ireland the assurance today that the Government will not countenance supporting any attempt to use the embryo Bill to legalise abortion in Northern Ireland through back-door legislation, keeping in mind that all parties in Northern Ireland are opposed to this? Surely that decision should be made by Stormont, and Stormont alone.
Would the Prime Minister give to the people of Northern Ireland the assurance today that the Government will not countenance supporting any attempt to use the embryo Bill to legalise abortion in Northern Ireland through back-door legislation, keeping in mind that all parties in Northern Ireland are opposed to this? Surely that decision should be made by Stormont, and Stormont alone.
Asked by
Lord Bannside
(Democratic Unionist Party)
Answering body
Prime Minister
Prime Minister's questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
26 March 2008
First, this is the first time that the right hon. Gentleman has been in the House since he announced that he was giving up his job as First Minister, and I want to thank him for everything that he has done as First Minister. The whole House—indeed, the whole of the United Kingdom—owes him a huge debt of gratitude for the way he has brought together the parties in Northern Ireland and been a very successful First Minister over the past few months.
The matter of an amendment on abortion to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill is a matter for this House. I do not believe that the House will wish to change its mind on these issues, but that is a matter of a free vote of the House of Commons.
Subjects
Abortion; Northern Ireland
Date
26 March 2008
Reference
474 c183
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
May I remind the Prime Minister that some time ago an announcement was made about Northern Ireland losing many of its Army installations, and a promise was made in a joint statement that the people of Northern Ireland would benefit from what was done with those particular areas of Government ownership? Will the Prime Minister give me an assurance today that that will be done, and will he announce the time when it will be done?
May I remind the Prime Minister that some time ago an announcement was made about Northern Ireland losing many of its Army installations, and a promise was made in a joint statement that the people of Northern Ireland would benefit from what was done with those particular areas of Government ownership? Will the Prime Minister give me an assurance today that that will be done, and will he announce the time when it will be done?
Asked by
Lord Bannside
(Democratic Unionist Party)
Answering body
Prime Minister
Prime Minister's questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
10 October 2007
I hope that the right hon. Gentleman, who is the First Minister in Northern Ireland, will accept that the public expenditure settlement reached yesterday was very much in line with what we talked about previously; indeed, it was higher than the figures that I gave him before. I will certainly look at what he says about land in Northern Ireland, just as I am looking, as I promised to do, at the corporate tax regime in Northern Ireland. Perhaps we can talk about these issues at a later date.
Subjects
Closures; Northern Ireland; Public expenditure; Military bases
Date
10 October 2007
Reference
464 c292
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
But surely the Minister must agree that there seems, on the outside, to be a real manner of not caring for these people. After all, if they go for a pension, what they earned as part-time officers will not be taken into that consideration. That means that they have done a term risking their lives every moment of the day—the leader of the SDLP reminded us of that—yet they will get nothing as far as a pension is concerned.
But surely the Minister must agree that there seems, on the outside, to be a real manner of not caring for these people. After all, if they go for a pension, what they earned as part-time officers will not be taken into that consideration. That means that they have done a term risking their lives every moment of the day—the leader of the SDLP reminded us of that—yet they will get nothing as far as a pension is concerned.
Asked by
Lord Bannside
(Democratic Unionist Party)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Grand Committee
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
24 July 2007
May I begin my answer to the right hon. Gentleman by congratulating him on his recent award as Opposition politician of the year? He was voted as such by hon. Members from all parties. It is a unique achievement to be Opposition politician of the year and First Minister at the same time. I am sure that the Committee will want to congratulate him.
The right hon. Gentleman again speaks with great passion and force about the value of the part-time reserve officers, their commitment, the role that they have played and the sacrifices that they have made— not least those who have given their lives. It is not that Ministers do not care about them: we deeply care about what they have done.
As I have explained to the Committee, the stakeholder pension is now available for part-time reserve officers. Others will benefit from other pensions. The right hon. Gentleman put his finger on an important point. Because the payment received by some of these officers, who may not have worked that many hours in each week, might have been small, it might have cost them more to belong to an occupational scheme, because of the contributions that they would have to make, than they would have got out of it. We have gone into this in great detail. The fact that we are not prepared to accede to the questions and pressure that we are being put under is the result not of Ministers not caring, but of the practical problems are difficult, if not impossible, to resolve.
Subjects
Northern Ireland; Police; Pensions; Part-time employment; Police Service of Northern Ireland; Reserve forces
Date
24 July 2007
Reference
NIGC c5-6
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons Grand Committees
House
House of Commons
May I say to the Prime Minister that I fully understand the exasperation that he felt many a day when I visited him? I understand that he was downcast many a day, that he was disappointed, angry and that perhaps he even lost his temper, but I want to say that he treated me with the greatest courtesy. I disagreed with him about many things, but we faced them. I am glad that I can stand here today and say to the Prime Minister that the people of Northern Ireland felt the same way as him—they were angry and cross, lost their tempers and were sad—but we made progress. It is not as great as I would like, but the Unionist people for whom I speak in the House are dedicated to seeing what was started concluded, so that every man and woman in Ulster has the same rights, liberties and opportunities to lead their lives, have their families and have a future.
The Prime Minister begins another colossal task. I hope that what happened in Northern Ireland will be repeated and that, at the end of the day, he can look back and say that it was well worth while.
May I say to the Prime Minister that I fully understand the exasperation that he felt many a day when I visited him? I understand that he was downcast many a day, that he was disappointed, angry and that perhaps he even lost his temper, but I want to say that he treated me with the greatest courtesy. I disagreed with him about many things, but we faced them. I am glad that I can stand here today and say to the Prime Minister that the people of Northern Ireland felt the same way as him—they were angry and cross, lost their tempers and were sad—but we made progress. It is not as great as I would like, but the Unionist people for whom I speak in the House are dedicated to seeing what was started concluded, so that every man and woman in Ulster has the same rights, liberties and opportunities to lead their lives, have their families and have a future.
The Prime Minister begins another colossal task. I hope that what happened in Northern Ireland will be repeated and that, at the end of the day, he can look back and say that it was well worth while.
Asked by
Lord Bannside
(Democratic Unionist Party)
Answering body
Prime Minister
Prime Minister's questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
27 June 2007
I thank the right hon. Gentleman very much indeed for those immensely kind words. I was waiting for the ““but”” and it never came, and I am most grateful to him. Let me say—although it will do neither of us good in many quarters—that I found him to be not merely a very good person to work with but someone who was completely straight with me throughout my dealings with him. I wish him the best of luck in the future, because he has shown immense courage in what he has done.
Subjects
Northern Ireland government
Date
27 June 2007
Reference
462 c332
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Surely the Minister should also keep in mind the large percentage of Protestants that applied to become policemen and passed all their examinations, but got a letter saying that because of their religion they could not have a place in the police force.
Surely the Minister should also keep in mind the large percentage of Protestants that applied to become policemen and passed all their examinations, but got a letter saying that because of their religion they could not have a place in the police force.
Asked by
Lord Bannside
(Democratic Unionist Party)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
27 June 2007
I acknowledge to the right hon. Gentleman that precisely 708 non-Catholic applicants finished higher in the merit pool than Catholic applicants who were appointed. I know that it is disappointing for the individuals involved, but it is very important that the PSNI fully reflect the composition of the community. More than anyone, the right hon. Gentleman will understand that that underpins the new political settlement in Northern Ireland.
Subjects
Catholicism; Recruitment; Police Service of Northern Ireland; Religion; Protestantism
Date
27 June 2007
Reference
462 c316
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
The Prime Minister will be aware that yesterday—[Interruption.]
The Prime Minister will be aware that yesterday, we had a visit in Northern Ireland from the President of the European Commission. At that meeting, the President made an announcement that he was instituting a taskforce to look into Northern Ireland’s position regarding the money that comes from Europe, and also to help new industry. Will the Prime Minister join me and the people of Northern Ireland in welcoming that announcement, and will he give us a promise today, before he leaves office, that he will back it all the way?
The Prime Minister will be aware that yesterday—[Interruption.]
The Prime Minister will be aware that yesterday, we had a visit in Northern Ireland from the President of the European Commission. At that meeting, the President made an announcement that he was instituting a taskforce to look into Northern Ireland’s position regarding the money that comes from Europe, and also to help new industry. Will the Prime Minister join me and the people of Northern Ireland in welcoming that announcement, and will he give us a promise today, before he leaves office, that he will back it all the way?
Asked by
Lord Bannside
(Democratic Unionist Party)
Answering body
Prime Minister
Prime Minister's questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
2 May 2007
I understand the importance of the visit by the President of the European Commission, which was made partly in direct response to a request from the right hon. Gentleman. I can assure him that I will fully back whatever the Commission does to support investment and industry in Northern Ireland.
Subjects
EU grants and loans; Northern Ireland
Date
2 May 2007
Reference
459 c1508-9
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
May I associate myself and my Friends on these Benches with the remarks already made from both Front Benches about those who have given their lives for our freedom? May I also ask the Prime Minister whether he is going to come to the opening of the new Assembly to mark the new regime that is going to come into order on 8 May? That is a firm date that is not going to be changed, because the people of Ulster—not any of his Ministers—have set it in stone. Although it will be the birthday of his hard-working Home Secretary, I am not asking him to come and celebrate that in Northern Ireland. I am asking him to join the Northern Ireland people to mark the fact that that part of the United Kingdom is going to have a Government in the same way as Wales and Scotland have. It is his duty as Prime Minister to be there, after all the work that he has done on this matter.
May I associate myself and my Friends on these Benches with the remarks already made from both Front Benches about those who have given their lives for our freedom? May I also ask the Prime Minister whether he is going to come to the opening of the new Assembly to mark the new regime that is going to come into order on 8 May? That is a firm date that is not going to be changed, because the people of Ulster—not any of his Ministers—have set it in stone. Although it will be the birthday of his hard-working Home Secretary, I am not asking him to come and celebrate that in Northern Ireland. I am asking him to join the Northern Ireland people to mark the fact that that part of the United Kingdom is going to have a Government in the same way as Wales and Scotland have. It is his duty as Prime Minister to be there, after all the work that he has done on this matter.
Asked by
Lord Bannside
(Democratic Unionist Party)
Answering body
Prime Minister
Prime Minister's questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
18 April 2007
It is not absolutely universal, in my experience, that people actually want me to visit that particular part of the country, but I thank the right hon. Gentleman very kindly for his invitation. Certainly, we have it well in mind.
Subjects
Northern Ireland government
Date
18 April 2007
Reference
459 c298
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
The Secretary of State will be aware that there were two major election issues on the doorstep: the important constitutional issues, and water charges. The people of Northern Ireland feel great anger and resentment that the Government, who are telling us today what a wonderful future we have, did not give us that wonderful future when they were in office. Why did they not do all these wonderful things that they tell us we should be doing? They missed out very badly.
I say to the Government today that it is no use putting a beautiful engine on the road, saying, ““Here is devolution. Here is a wonderful form of government””, if there is not the money to pay for the fuel to run that engine. The Government have a responsibility not only to put the engine on the rails but to supply the people of Northern Ireland with the money. Instead of doing that, they are saying—
The Secretary of State will be aware that there were two major election issues on the doorstep: the important constitutional issues, and water charges. The people of Northern Ireland feel great anger and resentment that the Government, who are telling us today what a wonderful future we have, did not give us that wonderful future when they were in office. Why did they not do all these wonderful things that they tell us we should be doing? They missed out very badly.
I say to the Government today that it is no use putting a beautiful engine on the road, saying, ““Here is devolution. Here is a wonderful form of government””, if there is not the money to pay for the fuel to run that engine. The Government have a responsibility not only to put the engine on the rails but to supply the people of Northern Ireland with the money. Instead of doing that, they are saying—
Asked by
Lord Bannside
(Democratic Unionist Party)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
14 March 2007
I got the impression that the right hon. Gentleman was feeling strongly about water charges. The Chancellor was listening closely to his point, and we will do our best to provide an incoming Executive with the wherewithal they need to have the successful start to devolution that he wants.
Subjects
Northern Ireland government
Date
14 March 2007
Reference
458 c275-6
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Surely the Minister is aware that the period for a playback forthe people of Northern Ireland was not even within the reaches of that set by the Government. Why is that? The Government say that we should have a certain number of weeks or months to find out our views on such matters, but, on this very issue, they have cut that time. What is more, there is grave concern among all the Churches of Northern Ireland—it is not often that they all agree, but on this they do—that this is a matter of such momentum and will have such an influence on people that consideration of it should at least run parallel with the time given to it in the rest of the United Kingdom and that it should not be brought forward, which is what the Minister has done.
Surely the Minister is aware that the period for a playback forthe people of Northern Ireland was not even within the reaches of that set by the Government. Why is that? The Government say that we should have a certain number of weeks or months to find out our views on such matters, but, on this very issue, they have cut that time. What is more, there is grave concern among all the Churches of Northern Ireland—it is not often that they all agree, but on this they do—that this is a matter of such momentum and will have such an influence on people that consideration of it should at least run parallel with the time given to it in the rest of the United Kingdom and that it should not be brought forward, which is what the Minister has done.
Asked by
Lord Bannside
(Democratic Unionist Party)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Grand Committee
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
12 December 2006
Section 62 of the Equality Act 2006has given my Department the power to make the regulations, and that Act was passed by both Houses of Parliament. We undertook a consultation between29 July and 28 September, during which we received extensive responses. In the light of that consultation, we have made some changes to the regulations. We have tabled them before the House and, as the right hon. Gentleman knows, he and members of his party have prayed against them. I expect a debate not only in the House of Commons, but in the other place in due course, when there will be an opportunity to discuss the matter. There will be an opportunity to decide accordingly in principle at that stage.
Subjects
Equality; Discrimination; Northern Ireland; Sexuality
Date
12 December 2006
Reference
NIGC c8
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons Grand Committees
House
House of Commons
That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying that the Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 (S.R. (N.I.), 2006, No. 439), dated 8th November 2006, a copy of which was laid before this House on 24th November, be annulled.
That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying that the Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 (S.R. (N.I.), 2006, No. 439), dated 8th November 2006, a copy of which was laid before this House on 24th November, be annulled.
Primary sponsor
Lord Bannside
(Democratic Unionist Party)
Type
Fatal prayers
Legislation
Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006
Date
28 November 2006
Reference
317
House
House of Commons
If there are no nominations or designations at the meeting on Friday, what is it about? What will be its business?
If there are no nominations or designations at the meeting on Friday, what is it about? What will be its business?
Asked by
Lord Bannside
(Democratic Unionist Party)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
22 November 2006
As the right hon. Gentleman will know, because he was party to the St. Andrews agreement—he was present at it and played a constructive role—24 November, this Friday, was always part of the process of moving forward in that an intention needed to be indicated as regards who would be nominated by the two largest parties to be First Minister and Deputy First Minister on 26 March, when restoration occurs. If that does not happen—if the parties, including the Democratic Unionist party, are not even in a position to indicate an intention to nominate on 26 March—people will say, ““What is the point of going on at all? Where is the confidence in the system and what is the prospect of success?””
Tomorrow I will make a direction to the Stormont Speaker for the parties to convene under her in Stormont at 10.30 am on Friday for that process to go forward. If people do not turn up and give that indication, we will all draw our conclusions, which will be very bleak indeed, as there would not seem to be a lot of point in proceeding with the rest of the process. I remind the right hon. Gentleman that, as the hon. Member for Foyle (Mark Durkan) said yesterday, the legislation that went through yesterday, which is going through the House of Lords today, probably contains 90 per cent. of what his party—the DUP—wants.
Subjects
Northern Ireland government; Members; Oaths and affirmations
Date
22 November 2006
Reference
453 c529
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate he has made of the (a) direct and (b) indirect effect on employment in Northern Ireland of the Lisnafillan premises of Gallaher Limited.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate he has made of the (a) direct and (b) indirect effect on employment in Northern Ireland of the Lisnafillan premises of Gallaher Limited.
Asked by
Lord Bannside
(Democratic Unionist Party)
Answered by
Maria Eagle
(Labour)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
10 October 2006
For answer on
17 October 2006
Answered on
17 October 2006
No estimate has been made.
Subjects
Northern Ireland; Gallaher
Date
17 October 2006
Reference
450 c1188W;450 c1194W; 93881
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the draft regulation proposing the exemption from the smoke-free provisions of the Smoking (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 for a designated room in a research or testing facility would enable the continuation of all research and testing undertaken by Gallaher Ltd....
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the draft regulation proposing the exemption from the smoke-free provisions of the Smoking (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 for a designated room in a research or testing facility would enable the continuation of all research and testing undertaken by Gallaher Ltd....
Asked by
Lord Bannside
(Democratic Unionist Party)
Answered by
Paul Goggins
(Labour)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
10 October 2006
For answer on
17 October 2006
Answered on
17 October 2006
The draft regulations setting out a proposed exemption for research and testing facilities were issued for public consultation on 22 September. During a recent exchange of correspondence with my officials, Gallaher was invited to specify in its response to the consultation exercise, what, if any, functions currently performed in the research and development facility at Lisnafillan would be in breach of the Northern Ireland regulations as currently drafted.My officials will give very careful consideration to Gallaher’s response.
Subjects
Northern Ireland; Smoking; Gallaher
Date
17 October 2006
Reference
450 c1188W;450 c1194W; 93880
House
House of Commons
Will the Secretary of State give the House an assurance about the part of the population that needs to be looked after at the moment—the Christians of the Lebanon? Is she aware that some of the Protestant churches in that country have opened their doors as a sanctuary to Christians, but there is difficulty in getting food to them? Can she do something to help?
Will the Secretary of State give the House an assurance about the part of the population that needs to be looked after at the moment—the Christians of the Lebanon? Is she aware that some of the Protestant churches in that country have opened their doors as a sanctuary to Christians, but there is difficulty in getting food to them? Can she do something to help?
Asked by
Lord Bannside
(Democratic Unionist Party)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
25 July 2006
I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman, and of course I understand that all the communities in Lebanon are at risk and are placed at hazard by present events. One of the things to which, in recent days, we have given a great deal of attention, and are pressing with a great deal of urgency, is the potential for humanitarian action and relief. I anticipate that that will be high on the agenda of the core group meeting in Rome, which I shall attend tomorrow, but I will keep the right hon. Gentleman’s words in mind.
Subjects
Development aid; Middle East; Hezbollah; Lebanon; Iran; Syria
Date
25 July 2006
Reference
449 c718
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I associate myself with the expressions of sympathy offered by the other leaders for those who are in deep sorrow today.
Is the Prime Minister aware that the Northern Ireland Assembly is to come back on Friday? Is he also aware that IRA-Sinn Fein have announced that they will boycott that meeting? Does he agree that the deputy leader of IRA-Sinn Fein would be better employed doing the work that he is supposed to be doing for his constituency, rather than going round the world praising other terrorist organisations and their murder campaigns?
I associate myself with the expressions of sympathy offered by the other leaders for those who are in deep sorrow today.
Is the Prime Minister aware that the Northern Ireland Assembly is to come back on Friday? Is he also aware that IRA-Sinn Fein have announced that they will boycott that meeting? Does he agree that the deputy leader of IRA-Sinn Fein would be better employed doing the work that he is supposed to be doing for his constituency, rather than going round the world praising other terrorist organisations and their murder campaigns?
Asked by
Lord Bannside
(Democratic Unionist Party)
Answering body
Prime Minister
Prime Minister's questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
5 July 2006
Obviously, it is important that that debate takes place on Friday, and I hope that everyone will participate in it. However, the single thing that would make the biggest difference, as I am sure the right hon. Gentleman accepts, would be to ensure that we have proper devolved institutions in which these debates and decisions can take place.
Subjects
IRA; Northern Ireland Assembly; Northern Ireland government; Sinn Féin
Date
5 July 2006
Reference
448 c812
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Does the Minister not recall discussions on the recent report by the commission, in which we heard that the southern authorities had said that they knew nothing about any arms in the south, and that the arms were all taken away at the time of so-called decommissioning? That has been proved to be totally and absolutely false: whether they are old guns or new guns does not come in to it; they are guns. We heard that those had all been done away with. Until the IRA does away with its guns, there can be no real democracy in Northern Ireland.
Does the Minister not recall discussions on the recent report by the commission, in which we heard that the southern authorities had said that they knew nothing about any arms in the south, and that the arms were all taken away at the time of so-called decommissioning? That has been proved to be totally and absolutely false: whether they are old guns or new guns does not come in to it; they are guns. We heard that those had all been done away with. Until the IRA does away with its guns, there can be no real democracy in Northern Ireland.
Asked by
Lord Bannside
(Democratic Unionist Party)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
28 June 2006
I simply say again to the right hon. Gentleman that initial indications from the Irish Government show that those materials may have been there for many years, but quite correctly, they will make a forensic examination to establish whether that is the case. I say again that the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning reiterates what it has plainly stated—that a find of that kind, which may occur from time to time, should not detract from the commitment that the Provisional IRA has made.
Subjects
Ammunition; Decommissioning; IRA; Republic of Ireland; Weapons
Date
28 June 2006
Reference
448 c246
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the estimated total cost is to the Northern Ireland economy of terrorist activity in the last 30 years.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the estimated total cost is to the Northern Ireland economy of terrorist activity in the last 30 years.
Asked by
Lord Bannside
(Democratic Unionist Party)
Answered by
Lord Hain
(Labour)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
15 June 2006
For answer on
20 June 2006
Answered on
22 June 2006
It is not possible to determine the direct total costs associated with terrorist activity in Northern Ireland but it is recognised that the impact is considerable in terms of business confidence and investment. Furthermore, the economy has significantly improved since the initial Provisional IRA ceasefire of 1994. Employment is currently close to its highest recorded level at 754,000 in 2006 (from 607,000 in 1994) and unemployment has fallen by 7 percentage points between 1994 and 2006 (from 11.9 per cent. in 1994 to 4.9 per cent. in 2006).
Subjects
Northern Ireland; Terrorism
Date
22 June 2006
Reference
447 c2141W;447 c2140W; 78970
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the total cost of compensation paid to (a) industrial, (b) commercial and (c) residential premises as a result of terrorist attacks by (i) Republican paramilitary groups and (ii) Loyalist paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland was in each of the last...
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the total cost of compensation paid to (a) industrial, (b) commercial and (c) residential premises as a result of terrorist attacks by (i) Republican paramilitary groups and (ii) Loyalist paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland was in each of the last...
Asked by
Lord Bannside
(Democratic Unionist Party)
Answered by
Lord Hain
(Labour)
Answering body
Northern Ireland Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
15 June 2006
For answer on
20 June 2006
Answered on
21 June 2006
The Compensation Agency cannot provide information about the cost of compensation stemming specifically from terrorist attacks as there is often no way of ascertaining the motives of an individual or group who have damaged property unless a prosecution follows. Additionally where the perpetrator is unknown, or where no prosecution has taken place, the agency could only speculate about potential motive. Therefore any figures provided would be very unreliable.
Subjects
Northern Ireland; Terrorism
Date
21 June 2006
Reference
447 c1991W; 78968
House
House of Commons