Vol. 542 No. 2
125 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the developments regarding the Assembly and Executive in the North of Ireland; the progress regarding the North's first programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23896/01]
Despite the difficulties they currently face, as outlined in my reply to Priority Question
No. 102, the Assembly and the Executive have been carrying out excellent and important work on behalf of all of the people of Northern Ireland since power was devolved in December 1999.
In March, the Assembly endorsed the executive's first Programme for Government, produced in accordance with paragraph 20 of strand 1 of the Good Friday Agreement. On 20 September the executive agreed a further draft Programme for Government covering the period 2002-03, incorporating a draft budget for the same period. This new draft programme and budget have now been laid before the assembly for scrutiny, and for future approval after examination by the relevant committees.
