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<p>We remain focused on securing the resumption of devolved government in Northern
Ireland. However in its absence it is ultimately for the UK Government to provide
for political stability and good governance in Northern Ireland. If talks fail in
their objectives and no agreement is reached following the Easter recess, we will
have to consider a range of options. The Government has, however, been clear that
when considering the options available, any form of joint authority would be incompatible
with the consent principle committed to in the 1998 Belfast Agreement.</p><p> </p><p>As
the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland made clear in his statement to the House
of Commons on 28 March, at a minimum we would seek to bring forward legislation to
set a regional rate to enable collection of the rates to go ahead, and to take steps
to provide further assurance around the budget for Northern Ireland.</p>
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