asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why the legislation giving effect to the St Andrews agreement for Northern Ireland cannot be altered. [HL2658]

In light of the historic agreement between the DUP and Sinn Fein to enter into power- sharing government together from 8 May, the Government introduced legislation to modify the deadline of 26 March for the restoration of devolution as provided for under the Northern Ireland (St Andrews Agreement) Act 2006.

The Northern Ireland (St Andrews Agreement) (No. 2) Act 2007, which received Royal Assent on 27 March 2007, set the new deadline for restoration as 8 May 2007.