About the NIO
The Northern Ireland Office is responsible for overseeing the Northern Ireland devolution settlement and representing Northern Ireland interests at UK Government level and UK Government interests in Northern Ireland. The department also has responsibility for national security in respect of Northern Ireland as well as Human Rights, elections, legacy issues (including current ongoing public inquiries).
Owen Paterson MP is the current Secretary of State. Hugo Swire MP is Minister of State.
On the 12 April 2010, the NIO transferred responsibility for policing and criminal justice to the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive.
The Department will continue to work with the Northern Ireland political parties and with the Irish Government to support successful devolution in Northern Ireland and to work with key stakeholders to maintain a secure and safe environment and to ensure that policy development within the United Kingdom takes full account of circumstances in Northern Ireland.
The Northern Ireland Office has a staff complement of around 175, with offices in Belfast and London. The Crown Solicitors Office in Belfast, which provides legal services in Northern Ireland to all Whitehall departments and to other public bodies in Northern Ireland, is also part of the Northern Ireland Office.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland stays at Hillsborough Castle when in Northern Ireland.