Programme for Government: Northern Ireland Bureau Washington DC

Oral Answers to Questions — Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister – in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 2:45 pm on 30 April 2001.

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Photo of Mr John Fee Mr John Fee Social Democratic and Labour Party 2:45, 30 April 2001

6. asked the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister to detail what progress has been made on the Programme for Government commitments concerning the Northern Ireland Bureau in Washington DC.

(AQO 1353/00)

Photo of Rt Hon David Trimble Rt Hon David Trimble First Minister of Northern Ireland, Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party

A number of steps have been undertaken in order to meet our commitments in respect of the Northern Ireland Bureau. Engaging an additional member of staff at middle management level has strengthened the bureau’s resources. We are examining ways to develop a strong working relationship with relevant branches of the United States Administration and Congress.

In that context, we will be reviewing the functions of the bureau, its structure and its relationship with other bodies promoting Northern Ireland in the United States. The objective will be to ensure that a positive image of Northern Ireland is projected in the United States to maximum effect.

Photo of Mr John Fee Mr John Fee Social Democratic and Labour Party

In the last few years since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, the passage of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and the adoption of the Programme for Government there have been fundamental changes in the way in which Northern Ireland is governed. Can the First Minister give us some indication of how the Northern Ireland Bureau in Washington will reflect those fundamental changes, the new relationships with the Irish Government and the devolved Administrations in Britain?

Photo of Rt Hon David Trimble Rt Hon David Trimble First Minister of Northern Ireland, Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party

The Member is right to say that the context within which the Northern Ireland Bureau operates has changed significantly. We are undertaking a number of steps which we hope will develop its role further. There has already been an increase in staff. An additional member of staff has been recruited to act as public relations manager. The bureau now acts as a representative of this Administration and is already developing good contacts with key people on Capitol Hill and in the Bush Administration. We plan to review the structure of the bureau and its relationship with other bodies in promoting Northern Ireland in the USA.

It is also anticipated that the bureau will move from its present location in the Embassy to more central premises in downtown Washington sometime in the summer. However, the staff at the Northern Ireland Bureau will continue to be accredited to the Embassy in order to retain diplomatic status.

Photo of Roy Beggs Roy Beggs UUP

Does the First Minister agree that there would be advantages in creating synergy between an IDB office in, or beside, the Northern Ireland Bureau in Washington? Is he aware that the IDB office — with operational responsibility for the political centre of gravity in North America — is based in Boston? Is he also aware that the IDB’s North American budget is approximately 10 times that which is being proposed for the bureau?

Photo of Rt Hon David Trimble Rt Hon David Trimble First Minister of Northern Ireland, Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party

There is a great deal in what the Member is saying. The IDB locations and budgets reflect the particular task of the Industrial Development Board and its objectives with regard to interfacing with United States industry. The Northern Ireland Bureau is preparing a strategy paper on the options available, including the specific matter of possible co-location of an IDB office and a tourist office with the bureau. The decision will, of course, be taken by Ministers here.

Photo of Nigel Dodds Nigel Dodds DUP

With regard to the work of the bureau and the promotion of the best interests of Northern Ireland, does the Minister not think that the work of that bureau in the United States is undermined by having, as part of his Administration, someone who has admitted that he was second in command of the IRA in Londonderry? Will he take steps to remove that gentleman from office?

Photo of Lord John Alderdice Lord John Alderdice Speaker

Order. I have made it clear in the past that I do not make my judgements on the basis of newspaper reports. I draw that to Members’ attention in view of the rulings on parliamentary convention, of which the Member will be aware.

Photo of Mr Cedric Wilson Mr Cedric Wilson NIUP

On a point of order, Mr Speaker.

Photo of Lord John Alderdice Lord John Alderdice Speaker

I do not take points of order during questions to Ministers. I will take it at the end.

Photo of Rt Hon David Trimble Rt Hon David Trimble First Minister of Northern Ireland, Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party

As I have pointed out in reply to other questions, the object of the bureau is to represent the best interests of Northern Ireland. I am sure that the bureau will do so, despite the fact that it will be hampered by the rather hypocritical attitude to participation in the Executive adopted by the party the Member represents. As to — [Interruption]

Photo of Rt Hon David Trimble Rt Hon David Trimble First Minister of Northern Ireland, Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party

As to his coat-trailing comments, I refer the Member to what I said on that subject in the very first speech I made in this Assembly on 1 July 1998. He should go and read it.

Photo of Lord John Alderdice Lord John Alderdice Speaker

Order. Members frequently remark on the limited number of questions that it is possible to get through at Question Time. It is made all the more limited if there is disorder in the Chamber.

Photo of Séan Neeson Séan Neeson Alliance

I welcome the fact that the First Minister has recognised the important role that the Northern Ireland Bureau has played over the years. Can he indicate when the changes are going to take place? Also, can he clarify what the role of the bureau will be in the future, as that is a problem at the moment?

Photo of Rt Hon David Trimble Rt Hon David Trimble First Minister of Northern Ireland, Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party

The bureau’s focus in the past tended to be on economic issues. With the new Administration here, we see the bureau as reflecting the interests of the Administration as a whole. Consequently, it is looking at its strategy and the way in which it is going to work.

As I said in reply to other questions, it hopes to relocate in the summer, but that will depend on circumstances and events there.

As to the issues that the bureau will be pursuing, I am sure that there will still be a very strong emphasis on economic matters, given the ongoing interest in doing business with the US and the very substantial US investment in Northern Ireland. However, we can work closely with the US Administration on other specific areas such as education, and we are anxious to do so.