Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what recent discussions she has had with the Irish government about (a) parades and protests in Northern Ireland, (b) policing in Northern Ireland and (c) the economy in Northern Ireland.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland maintains regular contact with Ministers from the Irish Government. These discussions cover a wide range of issues. We remain clear, however, that under the three stranded approach, the internal arrangements for Northern Ireland are for the UK Government and NI parties alone.

There continues to be strong co-operation on security between the British and the Irish Governments and when the Secretary of State met Frances Fitzgerald, the new Justice and Equality Minister following her appointment, in Dublin, she confirmed her commitment to continue cross border co-operation.