§ Mrs. CaltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what progress has been made by the Northern Ireland Office on political development in Northern Ireland; [67334]
(2) what progress has been made in the implementation of the Belfast Agreement during 2001–02. [67337]
§ Jane KennedyVery substantial advances were made in the implementation of the Belfast Agreement in recent times. Since last autumn, the devolved institutions have been operating fully effectively; substantial reforms to the policing and justice systems have been carried forward in the last year and there have been acts of decommissioning by the IRA. Continued implementation of the agreement is essential to the political future of Northern Ireland. It can only be achieved if there is full confidence that all involved have renounced violence for good.