To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the likely impact on security expenditure if the Northern Ireland Assembly is successfully re-established and the paramilitary ceasefire remains permanent; and if he will make a statement. (78515)

The safety of the people of Northern Ireland remains the Government's paramount priority; however there is no correlation between the successful re-establishment of the Assembly and the Government's plans for security expenditure in Northern Ireland.

The latest IMC and HCD reports are encouraging. Progress remains dependent on the maintenance of an enabling environment and it is in everyone's interest that Northern Ireland continues to move forward economically, socially and politically.

Politicians elected by the people of Northern Ireland need to take key decisions, which is why we must succeed in getting the Assembly up and running as soon as possible.