Northern Ireland Office

Secretary of State the Rt Hon Peter Hain MP has thanked outgoing NIO ministers the Rt Hon David Hanson MP and David Cairns MP for their selfless service to the people of Northern Ireland.

The Northern Ireland Office ministerial team has today been reduced to three after power was devolved to the restored Northern Ireland Assembly.

Minister of State the Rt Hon David Hanson MP is moving to the new Ministry of Justice and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State David Cairns MP is going back to being full time at the Scotland Office.  Both Paul Goggins and Maria Eagle will stay in the NIO.

Peter Hain said: “I would like to pay tribute to all my ministerial colleagues and the part they have played in taking forward the radical reform agenda of the last two years.

“As Minister of State, David Hanson’s portfolio included criminal justice, political development, social development and the responsibilities of the Office of First Minister, Deputy First Minister.

“He brought forward a number of important criminal justice reforms, including the regulations for the operation of community based restorative justice schemes.

“And as political development minister, he played a central role in helping to pave the way to restoring devolved Government for Northern Ireland.

“David Cairns has helped to deliver a better environment and public infrastructure while driving through the most comprehensive reform agenda of public administration in Northern Ireland.  He has also been an unswerving supporter of the agricultural community.

“Along with Paul Goggins and Maria Eagle, both David Hanson and David Cairns have worked tirelessly on behalf of all the people of Northern Ireland.”

Notes to editors

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Paul Goggins MP will retain responsibility in the NIO for security, policing and prisons.

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Maria Eagle MP will take over the Rt Hon David Hanson’s existing responsibilities for criminal justice and political development.

Lord Rooker will continue to represent the Northern Ireland Office in the House of Lords.