Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what progress they have made in implementing the Community Pharmacy Commissioning Plan for Northern Ireland.

The Government is acutely aware of the broader pressures facing health services in Northern Ireland and remains committed to supporting the restoration of the Executive in Northern Ireland as soon as possible.

As such, a locally elected, accountable and effective devolved government is, and will remain, the right way to address this issue. The Government stands ready to work with a restored Executive, but we have a responsibility to ensure public services and management of public funds can continue in its absence.

As such, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has introduced the Northern Ireland (Interim Arrangements) Bill to ensure continued clarity on the powers for Northern Ireland Departments to maintain delivery of public services. This will mean that decisions in crucial areas - such as to ensure the maintenance of public services - can continue to be taken in the absence of an Executive.