Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether proposed reforms to Northern Ireland’s political institutions will be discussed in accordance with paragraph 15 of the consultation paper Ground Rules for Substantive All-Party Negotiations, published on 15 March 1996, which states that negotiations will involve the British Government and the political parties and that the Irish Government would be kept informed of progress through agreed liaison arrangements.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland recognises the growing discussion among the people in Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland parties, about how the political institutions could work more effectively and collaboratively.

The UK Government remains open to discussing any proposals put forward by the parties that could command the widest possible support.

The Irish Government is a valued partner and co-signatory to the Good Friday Agreement. We remain in regular dialogue on a range of issues, through established fora.