Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth on 24 October (HL1962), whether they will set a date for the formal conclusion of their talks with the Northern Ireland political parties on the restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive.

The priority of the Government remains the restoration of devolved government in Northern Ireland. We continue to work with the parties and support them in their efforts to reach an agreement which will enable the formation of a Northern Ireland Executive. This involves keeping under continuous review the most effective means of encouraging progress.