Asked by: Gavin Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party - Belfast East)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many requests have been (a) made by the ICRIR to An Garda Síochána since their establishment and (b) answered.
Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) is an independent body. As such, the Government does not hold this operational information and the Right Honourable Gentleman may wish to request it from the Commission directly.
Asked by: Gavin Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party - Belfast East)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, when information on the operation of the Local Growth Fund in Northern Ireland will be available.
Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
As announced at the Spending Review, from 2026-27 the UK Government will provide targeted, long-term local growth funding to support growth across Northern Ireland, once the UK Shared Prosperity Fund ends in March 2026.
My department is working in close partnership with the Northern Ireland Executive and Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government to implement and develop the new Local Growth Fund. The Government is committed to engagement with stakeholders in Northern Ireland to help implement a package of funding that meets local needs and delivers impact. More information on the development of the Local Growth Fund in Northern Ireland and engagement plans will be set out soon.
Asked by: Gavin Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party - Belfast East)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will publish a breakdown of costs per government Department for the (a) Coagh and (b) Clonoe inquests.
Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
Government Departments handle inquest costs in aggregate. We are unable to provide a breakdown of the costs for these specific inquests.
Asked by: Gavin Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party - Belfast East)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of (a) the Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 and (b) subsequent amendments to that Act; and how many prosecutions there have been under the Act in each year since it came into force.
Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
The Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 (as amended) currently provides an effective framework for managing public processions and related protests in Northern Ireland. As set out in the Stormont House and Fresh Start Agreements, any alternative arrangements for managing public processions in Northern Ireland would need to be agreed by the Northern Ireland Executive. Prosecutions under the Act are a matter for the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Public Prosecution Service.
Asked by: Gavin Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party - Belfast East)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on support for the defence industry in Northern Ireland.
Answered by Steve Baker
I am in regular discussion with ministerial colleagues regarding growth and investment, including the defence industry in Northern Ireland. The Government is committed to improving how Northern Ireland is integrated into the UK defence industry network as part of our plan for growing the economy, showcasing the skills, industry expertise and infrastructure that are thriving in Northern Ireland.