§ 17. Mr. CanavanTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement about the development of the peace process. [54778]
§ 20. Shona McIsaacTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on progress made in the Northern Ireland peace process. [54781]
§ Marjorie MowlamWe are continuing to do everything in our power to implement all aspects of the Belfast Agreement. It produced solid gains for all those 209W involved and it remains the best hope for long term peace, political stability and reconciliation in Northern Ireland. While some difficult issues remain to be resolved, progress is being made on a number of fronts. The First Minister and Deputy First Minister, in consultation with the other parties, are preparing proposals regarding Ministerial portfolios; the shadow Assembly met during September and most recently on Monday 26 October and has positively addressed a range of issues; the Northern Ireland Bill is under detailed scrutiny in another place; the Police Commission, under the chairmanship of Chris Patten, has commenced work and the review of criminal justice is under way; measures to normalise the security situation have been introduced; and the early release programme has commenced.