1-20 of 27 results for dept:"Northern Ireland Office"
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To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will take steps during the absence of a devolved administration to discuss with the Department of Justice the rebuilding of the Prison at Magilligan in County Londonderry.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will take steps during the absence of a devolved administration to discuss with the Department of Justice the rebuilding of the Prison at Magilligan in County Londonderry.
As I stated in my previous response on 27 November 2017, responsibility for prisons in Northern Ireland is primarily a devolved area. Under the devolution of policing and justice in 2010, the Department of Justice (DoJ) is solely responsible for management of the prison estate.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what the operation of the British-Irish Council forum for consultation and co-operation will be in the absence of a Northern Ireland Executive.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what the operation of the British-Irish Council forum for consultation and co-operation will be in the absence of a Northern Ireland Executive.
The Government is fully committed to the British Irish Council as a forum to maintain and strengthen relations between member administrations.
At the recent meeting of the British Irish Council on 9 and 10 November 2017, Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the Council and its role in promoting harmonious and mutually beneficial relationships across these islands as set out in the 1998 Belfast Agreement. The Council agreed that political developments across Member Administrations underlined the importance of this unique forum to share views and strengthen relationships. The Council looked forward to the restoration of the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland as soon as possible. This remains the Government’s priority.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether work is continuing on preparations to rebuild HM Prison Magilligan.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether work is continuing on preparations to rebuild HM Prison Magilligan.
Responsibility for prisons in Northern Ireland are primarily a devolved area. Under the devolution of policing and justice in 2010, the Department of Justice (DoJ) is solely responsible for management of the prison estate.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what the timescale is for allocating the additional funding for health as part of the Government's agreement with the Democratic Unionist Party in the absence of the Northern Ireland Executive.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what the timescale is for allocating the additional funding for health as part of the Government's agreement with the Democratic Unionist Party in the absence of the Northern Ireland Executive.
Earlier this year, in recognition of the unique circumstances in Northern Ireland, the UK Government made clear that it was prepared to make available additional financial support following the confidence and supply agreement between the Conservative Party and the Democratic Unionist Party.
That agreement made clear our desire to see the money decided upon and spent by a restored Executive for the benefit of all in Northern Ireland. In the meantime, though, we acknowledge that Northern Ireland’s unique circumstances cannot simply be ignored, especially given the pressures that we have seen in the continued absence of an Executive.
That is why I announced during the Second Reading of the Northern Ireland Budget Bill on 13 November our commitment to make available £50m from the Confidence and Supply Agreement for addressing immediate health and education pressures in the 2017/18 financial year. If the Northern Ireland administration confirm that they would access this in 2017/18, that funding would form part of the Supplementary Estimates process in the New Year and be subject to the full authorisation of the House of Commons.
Does the Minister agree that too many people are concentrating on the potential threats that may emerge post-Brexit? What is she doing to try to promote businesses in Northern Ireland, which have a fantastic opportunity to take advantage of getting business in GB as well as the EU, strategically placed as they are in Northern Ireland?
Does the Minister agree that too many people are concentrating on the potential threats that may emerge post-Brexit? What is she doing to try to promote businesses in Northern Ireland, which have a fantastic opportunity to take advantage of getting business in GB as well as the EU, strategically placed as they are in Northern Ireland?
There are a few things to say about the hon. Gentleman’s important point. First, we ought to pay tribute to the businesses in Northern Ireland
that have created so many thousands of jobs. More than 10,000 new jobs have been created in the past year alone, which is important progress. Secondly, this Government will never be neutral on the subject of the Union, and people will see our support for the trade that needs to go between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Thirdly, our exit from the European Union provides an additional opportunity for firms in Northern Ireland to trade around the globe, which is something to be seized.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that the failure of the Sinn Féin Finance Minister in the Assembly to set the budget over a year ago—as he rightly says, before the renewable heat incentive scandal broke and before the issue of an Irish language Act and LGBT rights brought down...
Does my right hon. Friend agree that the failure of the Sinn Féin Finance Minister in the Assembly to set the budget over a year ago—as he rightly says, before the renewable heat incentive scandal broke and before the issue of an Irish language Act and LGBT rights brought down...
Does my hon. Friend agree that it is supremely ironic that the decisions taken over the past few weeks and months by the party of “Brits out” has resulted tonight in “Brits in”?
Does my hon. Friend agree that it is supremely ironic that the decisions taken over the past few weeks and months by the party of “Brits out” has resulted tonight in “Brits in”?
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps he is taking to ensure the composition of the Parades Commission reflects Northern Ireland society.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps he is taking to ensure the composition of the Parades Commission reflects Northern Ireland society.
All appointments to the Parades Commission for Northern Ireland are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and are made following an open and transparent process in line with the Government’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. A central tenet of the public appointments process is that applications are encouraged from all sections of Northern Ireland society.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what additional steps the Government plans to take in Northern Ireland to mitigate the risk of flooding as a result of recent flooding in the north-west of Northern Ireland.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what additional steps the Government plans to take in Northern Ireland to mitigate the risk of flooding as a result of recent flooding in the north-west of Northern Ireland.
The recent flooding in the north west of Northern Ireland has been devastating for many people and it is important that householders, farmers and businesses are assisted to get back on their feet as soon as possible.
Decisions surrounding flood support and mitigation are a devolved matter for the NI Executive. The UK Government stands ready to respond to any requests for support from The Executive Office. My colleague Lord Bourne visited the north-west of Northern Ireland on the 18 September to see some of the repair work being carried out and to talk to a number of those worst affected by the flooding.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps the Government is taking to ensure the effectiveness of Enterprise Zones in promoting job creation and innovation in (a) Coleraine and (b) elsewhere in Northern Ireland.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps the Government is taking to ensure the effectiveness of Enterprise Zones in promoting job creation and innovation in (a) Coleraine and (b) elsewhere in Northern Ireland.
I was delighted to see the launch of the Enterprise Zone in Coleraine earlier this year which was made possible thanks to legislation taken forward by the UK Government to allow the Enterprise Zone to benefit from Enhanced Capital Allowances. This is a prime example of how the UK Government can support the devolved regions to boost the economy and drive growth. I am aware that work is ongoing to develop the Coleraine Zone which represents a significant economic opportunity for the area.
I am committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure growth and opportunity is shared. Government and business must work together to build an economy that works for everyone, in Northern Ireland and the whole of the United Kingdom.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the Written Statement of 17 July 2017, HCWS54, National Security Arrangements in Northern Ireland, what plans he has to streamline judicial processes in Northern Ireland in the absence of a functioning Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the Written Statement of 17 July 2017, HCWS54, National Security Arrangements in Northern Ireland, what plans he has to streamline judicial processes in Northern Ireland in the absence of a functioning Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive.
It is important that people can have confidence in the delivery of justice and that the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland is as efficient and effective as possible. The Government supports the commitments set out in the Fresh Start Agreement to speed up justice and support witnesses to give evidence. The Government also notes the Executive’s response to last year’s paramilitary panel report which outlined specific actions to address these points. Much of this work is underway.
Clearly, however, justice policy in Northern Ireland remains devolved and this issue underlines the importance of seeing devolved government restored in Northern Ireland. Under devolution, it is rightly for Northern Ireland political representatives to bring forward and deliver the legislation and other measures that are required to ensure the justice system performs most effectively.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will discuss with the Irish Government the whereabouts of Michael Christopher Hayes in connection with his involvement in the Birmingham pub bombings of 1974; and whether that person received an on-the-run letter.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will discuss with the Irish Government the whereabouts of Michael Christopher Hayes in connection with his involvement in the Birmingham pub bombings of 1974; and whether that person received an on-the-run letter.
I hold regular discussions with the Irish Government on a range of issues including security. Existing arrangements are in place between UK police forces and An Garda Síochána to allow for co-operation in criminal investigations. Taking forward criminal investigations is a matter for the operationally independent police.
The UK Government does not comment on individual cases. The Government made clear in September 2014 that the on-the-run scheme established by the previous Labour administration was at an end, and that there was no basis for any reliance on letters received under the scheme as a barrier to prosecution should the required evidential test be met. Lady Justice Hallett carried out an independent review in 2014 and while she found that there were significant failures in this process she concluded that these letters did not amount to an amnesty.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether he plans to review the proxy vote process in Northern Ireland to reduce the risk of misuse.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether he plans to review the proxy vote process in Northern Ireland to reduce the risk of misuse.
The administration of proxy voting is an operational matter for the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland who will, following the Parliamentary election in June, conduct a routine post-election review of all administrative procedures. The Electoral Commission will also report on the administration of the election in due course. The Government will consider any recommendations about dealing with fraud from the Chief Electoral Officer and the Electoral Commission carefully.
More broadly, I also refer the hon Member to the Government response to Sir Eric Pickles’ review of electoral fraud; the Government will consider what changes recommended for Great Britain may also be appropriate for Northern Ireland.
As the Member of Parliament in the west of the Province who takes his seat, may I ask the Minister whether she is aware of the fact that security has been getting worse in the west of Northern Ireland, particularly the north-west? Will she review the problems associated with the bomb disposal team in getting them to the places where problems have occurred?
As the Member of Parliament in the west of the Province who takes his seat, may I ask the Minister whether she is aware of the fact that security has been getting worse in the west of Northern Ireland, particularly the north-west? Will she review the problems associated with the bomb disposal team in getting them to the places where problems have occurred?
I welcome the hon. Gentleman’s experience in this area and would be more than delighted to meet him to hear more about his specific concerns. As a new Minister, I have endeavoured to be in touch straight away with all the Northern Ireland MPs and those in the House with an interest. We must be vigilant, as I said earlier, and I look forward to further detail from him.
Does my hon. Friend agree that the problem is not just that Sinn Féin have listed a series of unreasonable
demands? They have said that many of those demands are fundamental prerequisites even before the institutions are established again, rather than trying, as he has suggested, to resolve them in...
Does my hon. Friend agree that the problem is not just that Sinn Féin have listed a series of unreasonable
demands? They have said that many of those demands are fundamental prerequisites even before the institutions are established again, rather than trying, as he has suggested, to resolve them in...
The hon. Gentleman says that Brexit is the fundamental issue. Given his position on Brexit, does he take any comfort from the fact that the British and Irish Governments and the EU have ruled out a hard border? Does he accept that there will not be one?
The hon. Gentleman says that Brexit is the fundamental issue. Given his position on Brexit, does he take any comfort from the fact that the British and Irish Governments and the EU have ruled out a hard border? Does he accept that there will not be one?
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will hold discussions with the Secretary of State for Defence on the most efficient use of the deployment of army bomb disposal units, particularly when dealing with numerous incidents in the West and North West of Northern Ireland.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will hold discussions with the Secretary of State for Defence on the most efficient use of the deployment of army bomb disposal units, particularly when dealing with numerous incidents in the West and North West of Northern Ireland.
The Secretary of State meets regularly with Cabinet colleagues, to discuss issues that directly affect security in Northern Ireland.
In Northern Ireland, Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO) are deployed at the request of the PSNI.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps the Electoral Office plans to take to ensure that the Electoral Register for Northern Ireland is up-to-date.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps the Electoral Office plans to take to ensure that the Electoral Register for Northern Ireland is up-to-date.
The maintenance of the electoral register in Northern Ireland is a matter for the Chief Electoral Officer.
The Electoral Office for Northern Ireland operates a system of continuous verification to ensure the accuracy of the register. Information held on the register is checked against various data streams held by other public bodies on a continuous basis.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps he is taking to monitor conditions and morale in Magilligan Prison during the period until a Northern Ireland Justice Minister is appointed.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps he is taking to monitor conditions and morale in Magilligan Prison during the period until a Northern Ireland Justice Minister is appointed.
Following the devolution of Policing and Justice powers in 2010, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has been responsible for the management of, and delivery of services within, the Northern Ireland prison network. Conditions in and morale at Northern Ireland prison establishments receives ongoing close attention from senior officials in the Northern Ireland Prison Service. That continues to be the case during the period until a Justice Minister is appointed.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what work the British-Irish Council will undertake during the period before the restoration of devolved government in Northern Ireland.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what work the British-Irish Council will undertake during the period before the restoration of devolved government in Northern Ireland.
The Council continues to meet regularly in different formats. For example, on Friday 10 March the British-Irish Council Indigenous, Minority and Lesser-Used (IML) Languages work sector held a Ministerial meeting, hosted by the Scottish Government in Edinburgh. Officials from all BIC member administrations also continue to meet in advance to prepare for the meetings.