Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what recent assessment she has made of the level of political stability in Northern Ireland.

The Northern Ireland Assembly is now over half way through its second term since the restoration of devolution in 2007 which of itself is a significant achievement. However, there is an urgent need to make progress on dealing with divisive issues such as flags, parading and the past. The Government also believes that implementation of welfare reform by the Executive is very important.

The Government will continue to press for progress on these matters.