Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Devolved Institutions: Northern Ireland

Wednesday 24 April 2024 · 8 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Luke Evans (Conservative) inquired about the benefits of the 3 billion funding package for the Northern Ireland Assembly and its impact on daily life.
  • Alexander Stafford questioned the support provided by the UK civil service to Northern Ireland for transforming public services efficiently.
  • George Howarth inquired about the implications of increased identification as Northern Irish for the future conduct of devolved government in Northern Ireland.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Luke Evans Con Hinckley and Bosworth
Northern Ireland
Context

The question relates to the economic and political impact of restoring the Northern Ireland Assembly, which had been suspended.

Question

I am concerned about the assessment made on the impact of the restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly on Northern Ireland. With a funding package worth over £3 billion, how will this benefit people in their daily lives?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

My hon. Friend welcomes the fact that Northern Ireland has local politicians taking decisions in a local Assembly accountable to local people, with a funding package worth over £3 billion delivering vital work on public service transformation and sustainable finances for better outcomes.

Answered
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Q2 Alexander Stafford
Northern Ireland
Context

This question addresses the support provided by the UK's Home Civil Service to Northern Ireland for modern public services, and how this benefits all four nations.

Question

The commitment shown in pushing for the restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive is clear with £3.3 billion for transforming public services. What help are the home civil service providing to their colleagues in Northern Ireland to make sure that people there have modern and efficient public services?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

The UK Government collaborate with and support the Northern Ireland Executive in transforming public services, aiming for quick delivery on transformation board setup commitments. The Minister of State has noted success from a Northern Ireland investment summit last September, welcoming 180 business investors.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question about benefits to all four nations was not directly addressed.

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Q3 Luke Evans Con Hinckley and Bosworth
Northern Ireland
Context

The question pertains to the potential for further private investment in Northern Ireland given the stability provided by the restored assembly.

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree that restoration of the Assembly provides stability for further private investment? How does he intend to capitalise on this opportunity?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

My hon. Friend is correct, restoration provides certainty and stability for business allowing us to harness energies and expertise to make Northern Ireland a fantastic place to live, work and invest. The Minister of State has reminded the House of success from a Northern Ireland investment summit last September and recent visit to Washington DC.

Answered
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Q4 Gregory Campbell DUP East Londonderry
Northern Ireland
Context

The question seeks a commitment to resolving outstanding issues in Northern Ireland following the restoration of devolution.

Question

Will the Secretary of State commit today to seeing further moves in coming weeks towards resolving all outstanding issues? This is particularly important as some issues remain unresolved despite devolved government's return.

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

The hon. Gentleman can have my commitment for delivering at great pace on all pledges made in the Command Paper, committed to delivering best outcomes for everyone across Northern Ireland because that is what it deserves.

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Q5 George Howarth Lab
Northern Ireland
Context

This question discusses the growing number of people in Northern Ireland identifying as Northern Irish rather than British or Irish.

Question

The restoration of devolved government is welcome. Polling evidence shows a growth since the Good Friday agreement in those who identify as Northern Irish. What implications does this have for how devolved government conducts itself going forward?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

The right hon. Gentleman asks a genuinely interesting point about growth in number of people declaring themselves Northern Irish, which I believe is reflected positively in how First Minister and Deputy First Minister go about their business.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The response does not provide specific implications for governance practices going forward.

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Q6 Hilary Benn Lab Leeds South
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The question addresses the status of stadium construction for the 2028 UEFA European Football Championship, specifically Casement Park.

Question

UK's successful bid to host 2028 Euros with Ireland is a fantastic opportunity. However, Executive have yet to invite tenders three years before deadline. Given this delay, how does Secretary of State intend to honour the guarantee that all partners will provide money for stadium construction?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

I am passionate about football, really want to see Euro games played at Casement Park, but latest costs are significantly higher than a year ago. Any taxpayer contribution needs value-for-money basis; no blank cheque here yet due to lack of contractor appointment.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The response does not specify when the guarantee will be honoured or how tenders will be invited on time.

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Q7 Hilary Benn Lab Leeds South
Northern Ireland
Context

The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 will end all civil cases and inquests related to the troubles on a specific date. Families have been denied information for years.

Question

I am concerned about the continuing legacy of the troubles affecting institutions. The Act ends civil cases and inquests in seven days, despite widespread opposition. Does the Secretary of State believe confidence will be affected by the commission's legal challenges to coroners' disclosures?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

The Secretary of State believes that people can use the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) in good faith when it opens on 1 May. He cited Denis Bradley, former co-chair of the Consultative Group on the Past, who stated that those involved with ICRIR are good people and that anything helping some people get out of the legacy 'swamp' is positive.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific legal challenges to coroners' disclosures were not directly addressed

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Q8 Richard Thomson
Northern Ireland Scotland Wales
Context

Devolved government has been restored in Northern Ireland, and the speaker pays tribute to Frank Field for his long service. The question addresses the principle of consent in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Question

The return of devolved government is welcomed across this House. Will the Government reaffirm their commitment to the principle of consent in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales? The peoples should be able to choose the form of government best suited to their needs, inside or outside the UK.

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

The Secretary of State welcomes the restored institutions and respects referendum results, including the one in Scotland. No further details were provided.

Not addressed: The specific commitment to consent principle was not reaffirmed

How: Referring To A Past Referendum Result

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