Asked by: Lord Hay of Ballyore (Democratic Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have for a new round of talks with the political parties in Northern Ireland, in order to break the deadlock over legacy issues in Northern Ireland.
Answered by Lord Dunlop
The UK Government remains committed to establishing the legacy bodies. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has met a number of interested stakeholders in recent days, including the Victims Commissioner and the Victims and Survivors Forum. It is her intention to meet with the political parties early in the New Year, along with further engagement with victims groups.
Asked by: Lord Hay of Ballyore (Democratic Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of there being no agreement to recent proposals on welfare reform in Northern Ireland, what alternative measures are being considered to implement welfare reform in Northern Ireland.
Answered by Lord Dunlop
The full implementation of the Stormont House Agreement offers the best way to resolve the current welfare reform impasse and build a brighter, more secure future for Northern Ireland. The Government will do what is necessary to implement our obligations under the Agreement and expects the Northern Ireland Executive parties to do the same.
Asked by: Lord Hay of Ballyore (Democratic Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of welfare reform not being agreed in Northern Ireland.
Answered by Lord Dunlop
The failure to implement welfare reform puts the entire Stormont House Agreement at risk, including the steps it contains to pave the way for a more stable and prosperous Northern Ireland and to help deal with the past.
Asked by: Lord Hay of Ballyore (Democratic Unionist Party - Life peer)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to work with the political parties in Northern Ireland on the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement.
Answered by Baroness Randerson - Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Transport)
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland is in regular contact with the Northern Ireland parties to work with them in implementing the Stormont House Agreement, in addition to the quarterly Implementation Review Group meetings. The Government has also introduced legislation for the devolution of Corporation Tax powers to Northern Ireland which is currently progressing through the other place.