Northern Ireland Office
Encyclopedia : N : NO : NOR : Northern Ireland Office
The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) is an arm of the United Kingdom government, responsible for Northern Ireland affairs. The NIO is led by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, currently Peter Hain. The NIO, based at Stormont, currently has all responsibility for the direction and control of the Northern Ireland Departments. If and when the power is again devolved to the Northern Ireland Assembly the Northern Ireland Executive will assume these responsibilites. The NIO maintains control over various contentious functions whether the Assembly sits or not.
Present rule of Northern Ireland through the NIO in lieu of the Northern Ireland Executive is referred to as direct rule.
Ministers (and responsibilities where applicable)
- Secretary of State for Northern Ireland - The Rt Hon. Peter Hain MP
- *Overall direction and control of the department.
- Minister of State - David Hanson MP
- *Political Development
- Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State - David Cairns MP
- Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State - Maria Eagle MP
- Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State - Paul Goggins MP
- *Security
See also
External link
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