Northern Ireland Office facts for kids
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| Department overview | |
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| Formed | 24 March 1972 |
| Preceding Department |
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| Jurisdiction | Government of the United Kingdom |
| Headquarters |
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| Employees | 167 (September 2011) |
| Annual budget | £23 million for 2011–12 |
| Secretary of State responsible |
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| Department executives |
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The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) is a special part of the Government of the United Kingdom. Its main job is to look after matters related to Northern Ireland. The NIO helps make sure things run smoothly and supports the local government in Northern Ireland. It is led by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. The NIO has offices in Belfast and London.
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What the Northern Ireland Office Does
The NIO works to support the local government in Northern Ireland, which makes many decisions for itself. This local government was set up after important agreements like the Good Friday Agreement and the St Andrews Agreement. The NIO also helps with policing and the justice system in Northern Ireland.
The department is responsible for:
- Rules about elections
- Protecting human rights and ensuring fairness for everyone
- Keeping Northern Ireland safe (national security)
- Helping the UK Government deal with the effects of past difficulties in Northern Ireland, known as the Troubles
The NIO also makes sure Northern Ireland's interests are heard within the UK Government. At the same time, it represents the UK Government's interests in Northern Ireland.
The Northern Ireland Office works closely with the Government of Ireland. Both governments are committed to supporting the peace process. They meet regularly in the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference to discuss important issues.
The NIO works with several departments in the Irish Government, including:
- The Department of Foreign Affairs (on peace efforts)
- The Department of the Taoiseach (supporting the Irish Prime Minister's role in peace)
- The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration (on safety and past events)
- The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (on election rules)
A Look Back: The History of the NIO
After Ireland was divided in 1924, Northern Ireland had its own local parliament. The UK government in London kept an eye on things. However, in March 1972, during a difficult period known as the Troubles, the UK Government decided to take direct control of Northern Ireland's government. This was called "direct rule."
The Northern Ireland Office was created at this time. It was set up to manage Northern Ireland's affairs, similar to how the Scottish Office and Welsh Office manage Scotland and Wales. The NIO took over responsibilities like policing and justice.
Direct rule was meant to be a temporary solution. Everyone hoped for a return to local government where power was shared. Over the years, there were several attempts to bring back local government, but they did not last. For example, the Sunningdale Agreement in 1973 led to a short-lived local government.
In 1985, the Anglo-Irish Agreement helped the UK and Irish governments work more closely together on security and political matters.
A very important step towards peace was the Good Friday Agreement on 10 April 1998. This agreement led to the return of local government in Northern Ireland in December 1999. However, this local government was suspended for a few years, and direct rule returned until May 2007.
In April 2010, many powers, especially those related to policing and justice, were given back to the local government in Northern Ireland. This meant the Northern Ireland Office became smaller, focusing on fewer areas, much like the offices for Scotland and Wales.
People Who Lead the Northern Ireland Office
The Northern Ireland Office is led by a team of ministers. Here are some of the key people:
| Minister | Portrait | Office | What they do |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Rt Hon. Hilary Benn MP |  |
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland | This person has overall responsibility for the NIO. They work to keep political stability and good relations with the local Northern Ireland government. They also deal with national safety, help carry out important agreements, and represent Northern Ireland in the UK Government. They also manage relations with the Irish government. |
| Vacant | Minister of State for Northern Ireland | This role focuses on the economy, helping businesses grow, and making sure all parts of Northern Ireland benefit. They also deal with important rules and rights for people in Northern Ireland. They support the Secretary of State in many areas, including dealing with past events, supporting Northern Ireland's place within the United Kingdom, and handling important safety matters. | |
| Fleur Anderson MP |  |
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland | This minister supports the Secretary of State on important agreements and past events. They help plan for future political discussions and work to encourage more integrated education in Northern Ireland. They also lead work on important rules and rights for people. They help keep political stability, for example, by planning for the 25th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. |
The Attorney General for England and Wales, The Lord Hermer, also advises the UK Government on Northern Ireland law. This role is called the Advocate General for Northern Ireland.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
This is the most senior minister leading the Northern Ireland Office.
Ministers of State for Northern Ireland
These ministers support the Secretary of State in their duties.
Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State for Northern Ireland
These ministers also assist the Secretary of State and other ministers.
Permanent Secretary
The most senior civil servant in the NIO is Julie Harrison. She was appointed in September 2023.
Want to Learn More?
- Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
- Northern Ireland Assembly
- Northern Ireland Executive
- Department of Justice
