Suspension of Devolved Government
Roles of Northern Ireland Office Ministers (2006)

A government reshuffle was conducted by Tony Blair, then British Prime Minister on 5 May 2006, and he announced the new ministerial portfolios at the Northern Ireland Office (NIO). A few days later, on 9 May 2006, further changes were made.

Peter Hain MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and Wales, continues to retain overall control of:

• international relations;
• taxation;
• national insurance;
• regulation of financial services; and
• regulation of telecommunications and broadcasting.

David Hanson MP, Minister of State, will assume responsibility for:

• political development;
  
• criminal justice, human rights and equality;
  
• The Department of Social Development (DSD);
  
• Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM);
  
• The Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP) ;
  
• Victims;
  

David Cairns, MP, appoinited Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State on 9 May 2006, will assume responsibility for:

• The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD);
  
• The Department for Regional Development (DRD);
  
• The Department of the Environment (DOE);
  
• Review of Public Administration;

Lord Rooker, Minister of State, will assume responsibility for:

• Northern Ireland Business in the House of Lords;
  

Maria Eagle MP, appoinited Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State on 5 May 2006, will assume responsibility for:

• The Department for Employment and Learning (DEL);
  
• The Department of Education (DE);
  
• The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI);
  
• The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL);
  
• Children's Minister;
  

• Security;
  
• Policing;
  
• Prisons;
  
• The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS);