§ 9. Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent representations he has received on decommissioning in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [125484]
§ Mr. IngramThe Government continue to meet representatives of all the political parties to discuss all aspects of the Good Friday Agreement. The Decommissioning Commission continues its discussions with representatives of the various groups. All sides must honour all the commitments they have made.
§ 10. Mr. Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of when the decommissioning section of the Belfast agreement will be implemented. [125485]
§ Mr. IngramIt is more important to get the process under way than to set a deadline for its end. We now have a firm commitment from the IRA to put arms beyond use, and a process of confidence-building measures with independent verification.
220WThis is only the start. But it is better to start than to worry so much about when it will finish, lest you never start.
§ 16. Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made towards the surrender and destruction of terrorist weapons in Northern Ireland. [125491]
§ 24. Mr. BradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on progress towards decommissioning of terrorist weapons. [125501]
§ Mr. IngramNow for the first time, the IRA have put in place a commitment to put their arms completely and verifiably beyond use, and have volunteered a confidence-building measure, to demonstrate that their arms remain silent and secure. We expect Mr. Ramaphosa
and
Mr. Ahtisaari to begin their work soon.
§ 22. Mr. Ian BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many illegally held weapons have been inspected. [125498]
§ Mr. IngramThe inspection of illegally-held weaponry is a matter for the independent inspectors and IICD.