HC Deb 28 October 1998 vol 318 cc206-7W
10. Mr. Jim Murphy

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the progress of the Northern Ireland Assembly towards taking over executive functions. [54770]

16. Mr. Jim Marshall

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on progress made in respect of the new Assembly for Northern Ireland. [54777]

Mr. Paul Murphy

A considerable amount of work has yet to be completed before executive and legislative responsibilities could be transferred to the Assembly. There has yet to be agreement on the number and responsibilities of ministerial offices, or on the elements of a programme for government, or on areas for co-operation between North and South and how such co-operation should be put into effect. Even once agreements are reached, several Orders and Orders-in-Council will need to be made so that they can be given effect.

Both my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and the Prime Minister are engaged in intensive discussions with the parties and the Irish Government with a view to reaching early agreement on how the necessary preliminary decisions can best be reached.