Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what has been the total public cost to date of the Robert Hamill Inquiry.

The Robert Hamill Inquiry opened in 2005. The previous chair of the Inquiry reported that the Terms of Reference were fulfilled in 2011. However, due to legal proceedings, the Inquiry report has not yet been published. These legal proceedings have recently concluded and steps are now being taken to publish the report. Following publication, I will take steps to ensure the total amount paid for inquiry expenses since its establishment is published within a reasonable time of the end of the inquiry, as required by Section 39 of the Inquiries Act 2005.