Northern Ireland: Devolved Government

Countess of Mar Excerpts

Tuesday 4th September 2018 Lords Chamber

[Viscount Younger of Leckie]

If only it were so easy to answer that question. As I said, we and all parties are working very hard to ensure that the Assembly is up and running as soon as possible. That is what we are looking for—there is nothing new and nothing that has changed since before the summer—and that should resolve the problems that my noble friend has raised.

[The Countess of Mar (CB)]

My Lords, the Minister has still not responded to the request of the noble Lord, Lord Empey, that something be done urgently about the health service in Northern Ireland. What is being done specifically about the health service in Northern Ireland?

[Viscount Younger of Leckie]

I can answer only by saying that the civil servants are in charge. We want the political parties to come together to find a solution. That is the answer that I am giving.