The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) is an arm of the United Kingdom government, responsible for Northern Ireland affairs. The NIO is lead by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, currently Paul Murphy.
The NIO, based at Stormont, currently has all responsibility for the direction and control of the Northern Ireland Departments. If and when the power is again devolved to the Northern Ireland Assembly the Northern Ireland Executive will assume these responsibilites. The NIO maintains control over contentious functions whether the Assembly sits or not, including;
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