§ 10. Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what definition he uses of the phrase parity of esteem in the Belfast agreement. [25602]
§ Dr. John ReidI define the phrase parity of esteem with reference to its meaning in the Belfast agreement—which is of equal respect for the identity and ethos and aspirations of both communities in Northern Ireland.
§ 19. Andy KingTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects the Belfast agreement to be implemented in full. [25648]
§ Dr. John ReidWe have already made significant progress in implementing all aspects of the Belfast agreement. However, it is neither possible, nor helpful, to speculate about when this process will be completed. The agreement itself represents a process, not an event, and the British Government will continue to work with all the parties to ensure that the implementation process continues.
§ 24. Mr. SoleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on progress with the Belfast agreement. [25653]
§ Dr. John ReidMuch has been achieved since April 1998. Progress has been made on all elements within the Belfast agreement including human rights and equality of opportunity, normalisation, the reviews of policing and criminal justice, decommissioning and the establishment of the devolved institutions. We still have some way to go before the agreement is implemented in full and the British Government are committed to working with the political parties to ensure that progress continues on all fronts.