§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Which parts of the Belfast Agreement of 1998 they consider have not been fully implemented, stating in each case by whom and why; and [HL3288]
What topics relating to non-implementation of the Belfast Agreement of 1998 have been discussed with the Government of the Irish Republic. [HL3290]
§ Lord Williams of MostynRemarkable progress has been made in the implementation of the Belfast Agreement, although much remains to be done. For example, the two major reviews on policing and criminal justice are still in the course of implementation; the security situation is far from normal, while there remains a paramilitary threat, with the consequent security force response, and while the decommissioning issue, despite encouraging recent progress, remains to be resolved; and there remains the question of devolving further responsibility for policing and criminal justice, as envisaged in the agreement. All parties who support the agreement need to proceed in partnership to ensure its effective implementation. We regularly discuss implementation of the agreement, including issues set out above, with the Irish Government.