asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they propose to amend legislation to allow vacancies from Northern Ireland to the European Parliament to be filled by a list system similar to that in the rest of the United Kingdom. [HL1097]

Any change to the existing system would require primary legislation and there are no current plans for this. In addition to this, legislative amendment would have to be preceded by careful consideration of, and wide consultation on, the different options for change to ensure that the way forward is in the best interests of all concerned, including the people of Northern Ireland.