Written questions by Jogee.

What recent discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on the environmental condition of Lough Neagh.

The blue-green algae which we have seen develop over recent years in Lough Neagh is very worrying and has had a serious impact on the environmental health of the Lough. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State recently met with Northern Ireland’s Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir MLA, and discussed the environmental impact on Lough Neagh, the Lough Neagh Action Plan and where the UK Government can support the Department in tackling the pollution in Lough Neagh. Whilst the protection and conservation of the Lough is a devolved matter, this Government recognises the vital importance of Lough Neagh and will continue to engage with the Executive on this issue.

What recent engagement he has had with communities in Downpatrick, Co Down on community (a) safety and (b) cohesion.

I speak regularly with people across Northern Ireland and am encouraged by the work of grassroots communities to support a safer, more cohesive and reconciled future for all. I have carried out over 100 visits to 16 constituencies across Northern Ireland since my appointment, including to South Down. I would welcome suggestions for future visits from Parliamentary colleagues.

What engagement he has had with the White Butterfly Foundation.

Northern Ireland Office ministers and officials regularly engage with charities and voluntary and community sector organisations in Northern Ireland on a wide range of issues. I have not met the White Butterfly Foundation.

Whether he has made an assessment of trends in the level of violence against women in (a) Northern Ireland and (b) the rest of Europe.

Violence against women and girls is a national emergency and last year seven women were killed in Northern Ireland. Through my ongoing engagement with organisations working to support victims and survivors and tackle this societal issue, it is clear that there are additional challenges unique to the Northern Ireland context. I welcome the Northern Ireland Executive’s Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls that places the overall emphasis on prevention, tackling the root causes, and stopping the violence before it starts.

What recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the East–West Council.

The East-West Council, established under the Safeguarding the Union Command Paper, first met in London in March 2024. It will meet for the first time in Belfast later this month. This forum provides exciting opportunities for Northern Ireland as we prioritise building and strengthening connections across the United Kingdom, focussing on shared opportunities and addressing mutual challenges.

What assessment he has made of trends in the level of public support for the work of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery in Northern Ireland.

There are encouraging signs of increasing engagement with ICRIR. By the end of March 2025, 154 individuals have come forward with 50 live investigations currently underway. The Government has confidence in its ability to deliver investigations, accountability, and information for families. These figures illustrate a growing willingness to engage with ICRIR, but it is clear that confidence in ICRIR will be determined by the outcomes provided for victims and survivors. However, as part of its commitment to repeal and replace the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023, the Government has committed to introducing primary legislation when parliamentary time allows, including to fundamentally reform and strengthen the independent Commission to ensure it is fully human rights compliant and can command public confidence.

What recent discussions he has had with the leadership of the Ulster Unionist Party on the (a) adequacy and (b) effectiveness of the work of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery.

As part of its commitment to repeal and replace the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy & Reconciliation) Act 2023, the Government has committed to introducing primary legislation when parliamentary time allows, including to fundamentally reform and strengthen the independent Commission established by the Act to ensure it is fully human rights compliant and can command public confidence. As part of this process, the Government continues to engage with all interested parties in a spirit of openness regarding an appropriate way forward, including the Northern Ireland parties. I regularly meet the leader of the UUP to discuss a range of issues, including legacy, and will continue to do so.

What discussions he has had with civil society in Northern Ireland on the work of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery.

As part of its commitment to repeal and replace the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy & Reconciliation) Act 2023, the Government has committed to introducing primary legislation when parliamentary time allows, including to fundamentally reform and strengthen the independent Commission established by the Act to ensure it is fully human rights compliant and can command public confidence. The Government continues to engage with all interested parties at ministerial and official level in a spirit of openness regarding an appropriate way forward, including members of civil society. I and my officials have regularly met victims groups, groups representing veterans, human rights organisations, and others including academics as part of this process.

What recent discussions he has had with the leadership of Sinn Fein on the (a) adequacy and (b) effectiveness of the work of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery.

As part of its commitment to repeal and replace the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy & Reconciliation) Act 2023, the Government has committed to introducing primary legislation when parliamentary time allows, including to fundamentally reform and strengthen the independent Commission established by the Act to ensure it is fully human rights compliant and can command public confidence. As part of this process, the Government continues to engage with all interested parties in a spirit of openness regarding an appropriate way forward, including the Northern Ireland parties. I have recently met the leadership of Sinn Fein to discuss a range of issues, including legacy, and will continue to do sox.

What recent discussions he has had with the leadership of the Alliance Party on the (a) adequacy and (b) effectiveness of the work of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery.

As part of its commitment to repeal and replace the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy & Reconciliation) Act 2023, the Government has committed to introducing primary legislation when parliamentary time allows, including to fundamentally reform and strengthen the independent Commission established by the Act to ensure it is fully human rights compliant and can command public confidence. As part of this process, the Government continues to engage with all interested parties in a spirit of openness regarding an appropriate way forward, including the Northern Ireland parties. I regularly meet the leader of the Alliance Party to discuss a range of issues, including legacy, and will continue to do so.

What discussions he has had with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister on the appointment of a Victims Commissioner in Northern Ireland.

The appointment of a Commissioner for Victims and Survivors is a devolved matter for Ministers in the Executive Office and is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Office has been kept aware of progress in this matter by the Commission for Victims and Survivors as part of ongoing engagement on legacy related matters. I hope the process of appointing a new Commissioner will conclude soon, allowing the successful candidate to take up this important role representing victims and survivors.

What recent discussions he has had with the leadership of the Social and Democratic Labour Party on the (a) adequacy and (b) effectiveness of the work of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery.

As part of its commitment to repeal and replace the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy & Reconciliation) Act 2023, the Government has committed to introducing primary legislation when parliamentary time allows, including to fundamentally reform and strengthen the independent Commission established by the Act to ensure it is fully human rights compliant and can command public confidence. As part of this process, the Government continues to engage with all interested parties in a spirit of openness regarding an appropriate way forward, including the Northern Ireland parties. I regularly meet the leader of the SDLP to discuss a range of issues, including legacy, and will continue to do so.

What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the work of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery.

A growing number of families are taking cases to ICRIR, and the Government has confidence in its ability to start delivering investigations, accountability, and information for them.In its judgment, the Court of Appeal recognised ICRIR’s powers to access information and its independence from government. However, the confidence of families in its work is paramount.That is why the Government has already begun the process of repealing and replacing the previous Government's Legacy Act and is committed to fundamentally reforming the ICRIR to further strengthen its powers and independence.The Government will continue to work with all parties in a spirit of openness as we seek a resolution to legacy that can see us move forward together.

When he expects a Victims Commissioner to be appointed in Northern Ireland.

The role of Victims Commissioner is a public appointment made by Ministers in the Executive Office under the guidance of the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland. I understand that the First Minister and deputy First Minister have met candidates deemed suitable for appointment by the independent selection panel. I hope the process of appointing a new Commissioner will conclude soon, allowing the successful candidate to take up this important role representing victims and survivors.

What recent discussions he has had with the leadership of the Democratic Unionist Party on the (a) adequacy and (b) effectiveness of the work of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery.

As part of its commitment to repeal and replace the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy & Reconciliation) Act 2023, the Government has committed to introducing primary legislation when parliamentary time allows, including to fundamentally reform and strengthen the independent Commission established by the Act to ensure it is fully human rights compliant and can command public confidence. As part of this process, the Government continues to engage with all interested parties in a spirit of openness regarding an appropriate way forward, including the Northern Ireland parties. I regularly meet the leader of the DUP to discuss a range of issues, including legacy, and will continue to do so.

How many of the 18 parliamentary constituencies in Northern Ireland has he visited since his appointment.

I have visited 16 parliamentary constituencies across Northern Ireland since my appointment.

What recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of the work of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery on delivering truth and reconciliation in Northern Ireland.

A growing number of families are taking cases to ICRIR, and the Government has confidence in its ability to start delivering investigations, accountability, and information for them.In its judgment, the Court of Appeal recognised ICRIR’s powers to access information and its independence from government. However, the confidence of families in its work is paramount.That is why the Government has already begun the process of repealing and replacing the previous Government's Legacy Act and is committed to fundamentally reforming the ICRIR to further strengthen its powers and independence.The Government will continue to work with all parties in a spirit of openness as we seek a resolution to legacy that can see us move forward together.

Whether he has had recent discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive on the health service in Northern Ireland.

Improving health outcomes across the UK is a priority mission for this Government. Although health is devolved in Northern Ireland, the Government wants to work with the Northern Ireland Executive to transform its public services and improve outcomes for people in Northern Ireland.Government Ministers regularly engage with Executive Ministers, including the Northern Ireland Health Minister, to discuss plans to improve public services in Northern Ireland.

Whether he has had recent discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive on the number of people on hospital waiting lists in Northern Ireland.

Improving health outcomes across the UK is a priority mission for this Government. Although health is devolved in Northern Ireland, the Government wants to work with the Northern Ireland Executive to transform its public services and improve outcomes for people in Northern Ireland. The Government regularly engages with Executive Ministers, including the Northern Ireland Health Minister, to discuss plans to improve public services. I have engaged extensively with stakeholders across the Northern Ireland health service to discuss how the Government can work with the Executive to tackle its shared health challenges, including waiting lists.

What discussions he has had with the Chemical Industries Association about the (a) access to and (b) regulation of safe and approved chemicals in Northern Ireland.

The Department for Work and Pensions is the policy lead with regard to chemical regulation across the UK, as sponsor of the Health and Safety Executive. In that role, the Department for Work and Pensions continuously assesses the adequacy of chemical regulation across the whole of the UK.