§ 17. Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to increase the number of next steps agencies in Northern Ireland. [2530]
§ Sir John WheelerThere are currently 24 next steps agencies in Northern Ireland. Prior options studies are taking place in relation to a further nine executive activities which are potential agency candidates. The decision as to whether these activities should be conducted by agencies will depend on the conclusions of the prior options analyses.