Murphy reveals legislative priorities for Northern Ireland

Secretary of State Paul Murphy has said that priority will be given to children's issues, infrastructure investment and the environment in the government's coming legislative programme.

Mr Murphy told members of the East Belfast Rotary Club today that the work of the executive prior to suspension would "not be wasted". He said that the 22 Bills which were still in train when suspension was called on October 14 had "the potential to affect - for the better - the day-to-day lives of every man, woman and child in Northern Ireland across a very wide spectrum of issues".

He continued: "This good work cannot be allowed to be wasted. If the devolved institutions are not restored in the interim, I and my Ministerial colleagues will do our utmost to deliver the bulk of this programme at Westminster in a timeframe as close as possible to that envisaged by the Assembly.

"One of our highest priorities will be the legislation to establish a Commissioner for Children and Young People. I know that the establishment of a 'champion for children' was at the heart of the Assembly's legislative programme and aims to ensure that Northern Ireland is at the leading edge of international best practice".

Mr Murphy also noted that the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults Bill was "important legislation" which will provide crucial mechanisms to safeguard some of the most vulnerable in our society.

On other legislation, the Secretary of State said that the Reinvestment and Reform Initiative, which is designed to address the substantial deficiencies in infrastructure, would see an immediate cash injection of £200 million. The bill also held the prospect, said Mr Murphy, of further low-cost borrowings which could accelerate the pace of infrastructure investment here.

Other planned legislation includes the Housing Order, Planning (Amendment) Order, a composite Environment Order and Marriage Order. However, Mr Murphy added: "I freely acknowledge that the Order in Council process at Westminster is not as satisfactory as scrutiny of legislation in the Assembly.

"It is, however, a regrettable necessity and highlights once again the importance of restoring the devolved institutions."

(GMcG)