Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of the comments by the Irish Premier that he has agreed with the Prime Minister "there will be no return to direct rule", whether they have decided that there will be no return to direct rule if a Northern Ireland Executive is not established.

Political stability in Northern Ireland is the responsibility of the UK Government. The Government remains focused on securing the resumption of devolved government and the formation of an Executive within the statutory timeframe of 27 March. It is not speculating on any other outcome.