To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on progress to reallocate statutory responsibilities within Departments following a reduction in the number of Executive Departments.

Work to implement the decisions reached by the Executive on future departmental structures has been progressing. As indicated in the Stormont Agreement and Implementation Plan (“A Fresh Start”) of 17 November 2015, we propose to introduce shortly in the Assembly a Departments Bill which will establish the statutory framework for the Executive to be appointed on a nine-department basis after the 2016 election.

Appendix F5 of the “Fresh Start” document also set out a revised list of functions transferring between departments. A Transfer of Functions Order will make detailed provision for the statutory responsibilities of the future departments. Drafting of the Transfer of Functions Order is at an advanced stage. Extensive administrative preparations have been taken forward under the leadership of a cross-departmental Programme Board chaired by a Permanent Secretary.