The British and Irish Governments held multi-party talks, with the Northern Ireland political parties, at St. Andrews on 10-13 October 2006. The aim of the St. Andrews summit was to focus discussion on achieving the restoration of the political institutions in Northern Ireland.

The outcome of the summit culminated in the St. Andrews agreement between the British and Irish Governments. The progress made at St. Andrews was significant and has subsequently brought us, with this week’s historic statement by the leaders of the DUP and Sinn Fein, to the brink of a stable future for the government of Northern Ireland. The Government will continue to do everything it can to support the political parties in Northern Ireland in taking the final step towards restoration.

A total breakdown of the costs for the talks held at the St. Andrews summit, which were shared by the British and Irish Governments, has been published on the Northern Ireland Office website today. I have attached a copy of the costs to this statement and a copy will be placed in the Library of the House.