Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what the timeframe is for (a) consideration of the (i) membership and (ii) terms of the Fiscal Council and (b) the establishment of that council.

The Independent Fiscal Council is a key part of the reforms committed to in the New Decade, New Approach agreement. I am pleased with the progress that the Executive has made in establishing the Fiscal Council and delighted by the appointment of Robert Chote as Chair of the Council alongside the other members.

The NIO and the Treasury have reviewed the draft Terms of Reference for the Independent Fiscal Council and made a number of recommendations to the NI Finance Minister.

I hope these revisions can be agreed quickly and that the Fiscal Council can be established as soon as possible so that it can begin, between UKG and NIE, it's important work in reviewing the sustainability of the Executives finances.