Northern Ireland Office
Who is the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland?
The Rt Hon Shaun Woodward MP was appointed Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on 28th June 2007. The Northern Ireland Ministerial team consists of Paul Goggins MP.
Who was the first Secretary of State for Northern Ireland?
The late Conservative MP William Whitelaw was appointed Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in March 1972.
To date, 16 MPs have served as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
They are William Whitelaw (March 1972 to November 1973); Francis Pym (November 1973 to February 1974); Merlyn Rees (March 1974 to September 1976); Roy Mason (September 1976 to May 1979); Humphrey Atkins (May 1979 to September 1981); James Prior (September 1981 to September 1984); Douglas Hurd (September 1984 to September 1985); Tom King (September 1985 to July 1989); Peter Brooke (July 1989 to April 1992); Patrick Mayhew (April 1992 to May 1997); Mo Mowlam (May 1997 to October 1999), Peter Mandelson (October 1999 to January 2001); John Reid (January 2001 to October 2002); Paul Murphy (October 2002 to May 2005); Peter Hain (May 2005 to 28th June 2007) Shaun Woodward to current day.
What are the ministerial responsibilities of the NIO team?
Shaun Woodward MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has overall responsibility for the NIO. His Ministerial team consists of Paul Goggins MP, Minister of State, who is responsible for Criminal Justice, Security, Policing and Prisons.
What is the role of the Northern Ireland Office?
The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) exists to support the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in taking forward Government policy in Northern Ireland. In addition to supporting and fostering the political and democratic process in Northern Ireland, the Department has overall responsibility for upholding law, order and security including the provision of criminal justice services.
What is the structure of the NIO?
The Northern Ireland Office consists of a core department, made up of five separate but integrated functions. The five core departments are – Political Directorate; Policing and Security Directorate; Criminal Justice Directorate; Central Services Directorate and Information Service Directorate.
The NIO also has a number of Agencies and Non-Departmental Public Bodies.
How many agencies does the NIO have?
Four. The Northern Ireland Prison Service; Compensation Agency, Forensic Science Agency and the Youth Justice Agency.
Where can I find out more about the NIO?
The Northern Ireland Office annually publishes a Departmental Report which provides detailed information about the work of the NIO.
How can I contact the Secretary of State or Ministers?
If your query relates to the work of the Northern Ireland Office, you can use the contact us link on this website or write to
The Secretary of State,
Block B,
Castle Buildings,
Stormont Estate
Belfast,
BT 4 3SG.
If your question relates to the work of one of the Northern Ireland Departments you should contact the appropriate Department.
