Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will appoint an independent person to chair the talks between the main political parties in Northern Ireland to agree the means for restoring a functioning assembly at Stormont; and if he will make a statement.

On behalf of the Government I have been engaging intensively with the parties and, as appropriate, the Irish Government towards the restoration of devolution in Northern Ireland. The parties have made significant progress but some issues remain outstanding. Our focus now needs to be on finding a compromise on these issues. At present, I believe the parties are best placed to do this through direct discussion, with the support of the UK Government and the Irish Government in accordance with the three stranded approach.