The question of a US Special Envoy for Northern Ireland is a matter for consideration by the US Administration. Successive US Administrations have provided immensely valuable support to the peace process over the last three decades. The Government look forward to the continued engagement by the current US Administration in Northern Ireland, including that of the US State Department. In the immediate period ahead, the Government would particularly welcome the continued support of the US Administration and Congress in encouraging the parties in Northern Ireland to take the necessary steps to ensure that the devolved power-sharing institutions of the Good Friday Agreement are re-established without delay, which is in the interests of everyone in Northern Ireland.