Written questions by Wilson.

What discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on the potential impact of the General Product Safety Regulations on trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The Government engages in regular discussions with both the Northern Ireland Executive and the EU on matters of mutual interest.The updated General Product Safety Regulations largely formalises the reality of how businesses are already operating in the UK and the measures are therefore likely to have limited impact. Where businesses need to make changes, we expect that they will be adapting anyway in order to continue trading with the EU. We are providing more guidance to businesses in this area, will keep this under review, and continue to engage with businesses directly to ensure we are supporting them to trade freely across the whole of the UK.

What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of the General Product Safety Regulations on trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The Government engages in regular discussions with both the Northern Ireland Executive and the EU on matters of mutual interest.The updated General Product Safety Regulations largely formalises the reality of how businesses are already operating in the UK and the measures are therefore likely to have limited impact. Where businesses need to make changes, we expect that they will be adapting anyway in order to continue trading with the EU. We are providing more guidance to businesses in this area, will keep this under review, and continue to engage with businesses directly to ensure we are supporting them to trade freely across the whole of the UK.

What discussions he has had with the EU on the potential impact of the General Product Safety Regulations on trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The Government engages in regular discussions with both the Northern Ireland Executive and the EU on matters of mutual interest.The updated General Product Safety Regulations largely formalises the reality of how businesses are already operating in the UK and the measures are therefore likely to have limited impact. Where businesses need to make changes, we expect that they will be adapting anyway in order to continue trading with the EU. We are providing more guidance to businesses in this area, will keep this under review, and continue to engage with businesses directly to ensure we are supporting them to trade freely across the whole of the UK.

How many staff are employed in his Department.

As at 30 June 2024, the Northern Ireland Office employs 172 staff.

How many Irish citizens are employed in his Department.

The Northern Ireland Office does not hold data on citizenship held by staff. As per the terms of the 1998 Agreement, this Government recognises the right of all people of Northern Ireland to identify themselves and be accepted as Irish or British, or both, according to preference.

How many Irish citizens are employed as ministerial advisers in his Department.

The Northern Ireland Office does not hold data on citizenship held by staff. As per the terms of the 1998 Agreement, this Government recognises the right of all people of Northern Ireland to identify themselves and be accepted as Irish or British, or both, according to preference.

How many ministerial advisers are employed in his Department.

As of 24 July 2024, the Northern Ireland Office employs one ministerial Special Advisor.