In the wake of the St. Andrews Agreement, I remain convinced that the circumstances are now right to make vital progress and ultimately to see a permanent political settlement in Northern Ireland. The work of the Programme for Government Committee is key to this process and I have asked my officials in the Northern Ireland Departments to be at the disposal of the Committee and to offer whatever information is required in carrying out the task of agreeing priorities for the new Executive.
I look forward to the outcome of their discussions.