HC Deb 26 July 1999 vol 336 cc24-5W
Mr. John D. Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to which office in the Northern Ireland Civil Service the Special Advisers to the former Deputy First Minister (Designate) have been transferred; what staff have been retained in the Department of the former First Minister (Designate); and if she will make a statement. [92940]

Mr. Paul Murphy

Following the resignation of the hon. Member for Newry and Armagh (Mr. Mallon) as Deputy First Minister (Designate) the appointments of his Special Advisers were automatically terminated under the terms of their contracts. However, the future arrangements for the Office of the Deputy First Minister (Designate) are currently under consideration.