Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps he is taking to help bring about a resolution to the healthcare workers pay dispute in Northern Ireland.

The Government is acutely aware of the pressures facing the health service in Northern Ireland. The Secretary of State met with representatives of the Health Unions in Northern Ireland on 5 April to offer clarity on the Government’s pay offer to healthcare workers in England. As this is a devolved matter, the Secretary of State does not have the authority to negotiate on pay.

A fully functioning devolved government is the best way to deliver the necessary reforms to transform healthcare. That is why the Government is doing all it can to restore the Executive as soon as possible.