§ Mr. DoddsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the protocol to be followed by visiting Heads of State to Northern Ireland in respect of(a) official visits and (b) private visits. [23567]
§ Dr. John ReidWhen a Head of State makes an official visit to Northern Ireland full protocol is observed. The visitor is met by the lord-lieutenant of the county or county borough. The sheriff for the county or county borough, the mayor of the borough or chairman of the district council, the chief executive of the council and the Member of Parliament for the constituency are invited to take part in the presentation lines. Northern Ireland Office Ministers and devolved Ministers are also invited to take part in presentation lines as appropriate.
Where a visit is private, there is no requirement for protocol.
When a visit is classed as a working visit, a lord-lieutenant greets the Head of State. Members of Parliament, Northern Ireland Office Ministers and devolved Ministers are advised, for information only, of the Head of State's attendance at public venues within their constituency or areas of responsibility.