To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the timetable is for the implementation of the Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006; and if he will delay the introduction of these regulations until April 2007. (107087)

The timetable for the implementation of the Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 is that they will come into force on 1 January 2007.

I do not intend to delay the introduction of these regulations until April 2007.