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 Paul Murphy. 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) as of 7th November 2004

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland - The Rt Hon. Paul Murphy MP

Overall direction and control of the department.

Minister of State - The Rt. Hon. John Spellar MP

Political Development
Criminal Justice, Human Rights and Equality
Department for Social Development
Department for Regional Development
Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (Part)

Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State - Ian Pearson MP

Security and Policing
Prisons
Assets Recovery Agency and Organised Crime Task Force
Review of Public Administration
Europe (Euro Preparations Committee)
Department of Finance and Personnel
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (Part)

Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State - Angela Smith MP

Victims and Reconciliation
Department of the Environment
Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety
Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure

Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State - Barry Gardiner MP

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Department of Education
Department for Employment and Learning

Northern Ireland Office

See also