§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the report into administration in Northern Ireland will be published next August; and, if not, when. [HL287]
§ The Lord Privy Seal (Lord Williams of Mostyn)The review of public administration in Northern Ireland was launched by the Northern Ireland Executive in June 2002 and the team conducting the review was due to make final recommendations to the executive at the end of 2003.
By the end of November the review team had completed an extensive pre-consultation process that involved nearly 70 meetings, including meetings with all local councils.
The team is continuing with its programme of research and analysis. However the suspension of the Northern Ireland Assembly may have implications for the review's overall timetable. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has indicated that he will consult with the political parties early in the new year about the future of the review.