Lord Empey – 2014 Parliamentary Question to the Northern Ireland Office

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Empey on 2014-06-10.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they consider that, following the handover of responsibility for Hillsborough Castle to Historic Royal Palaces, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland will have adequate facilities to fulfil her public duties; and which areas of Hillsborough Castle will be devoted to her needs.

Baroness Randerson

Following the transfer of responsibility for Hillsborough Castle to Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) on 1 April 2014, a dedicated area of accommodation has been retained for occupancy by the Northern Ireland Office (NIO). HRP provides the NIO with a number of services, including the continued readiness of this area for use as a residence by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, and by the Minister of State for Northern Ireland.

The changes to the NIO’s accommodation will not impact on the ability of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to fulfil her public duties.