asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress, if any, which has been made towards achieving the objectives contained in the Anglo-Irish Agreement of the establishment of devolved Government and the introduction of a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland; if the Government has prepared any position paper or research documents on these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Anglo-Irish Agreement.
18.
No progress has been made on bringing about devolution in Northern Ireland as set out in the Anglo-Irish Agreement. It is not the practice of this Government to comment on internal research papers on specific policy issues.
The Government attach importance to the protection of human rights and the accommodation of the rights and identities of both traditions in Northern Ireland. The advantages and disadvantages of a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland is on the agenda of the Conference and we intend to press for the introduction of such a Bill as soon as possible.