What we do

We ensure the smooth working of the devolution settlement in Northern Ireland. We represent Northern Irish interests within the UK government and we represent the UK government in Northern Ireland.

NIO is a ministerial department, supported by 3 agencies and public bodies.

Read more about what we do

We work on these topics

  1. Northern Ireland

    The government works for Northern Ireland: supporting the economy; defending our national security; promoting our interests internationally. Read more

  2. UK economy

    All parts of the economy are growing - but the government still has a huge amount to do through continuing to create jobs and supporting businesses to grow. The government is also making sure that the recovery is a recovery for all and this means creating a more educated workforce and taking measures to help with the cost of living. Find progress updates on this page. Read more

We produce detailed guidance in these categories

  1. Devolution: how it affects policies and services

    Advice for public servants and other agencies about devolved responsibilities and accountability. Read more

Our policies

  1. Keeping Northern Ireland safe

    How the UK government is working with the authorities in Northern Ireland to keep people in Northern Ireland safe.

  2. Supporting political stability and the institutions in Northern Ireland

    How the UK government is working with the Northern Ireland Executive, the Irish government and others to help bring about a stable, prosperous and peaceful future for Northern Ireland.

  3. Bringing communities in Northern Ireland together

    How the UK government is working with the Northern Ireland Executive to help make lasting changes to bring communities together and address underlying divisions.

See all our policies

Documents

Our announcements

  1. Villers celebrates International Women's Day with the Women's Forum Northern Ireland

    • 7 March 2014
    • News story

  2. Villiers: 'On the run' scheme over

    • 7 March 2014
    • Speech

See all our announcements

Our consultations

  1. Anonymous registration: Protecting voters at risk

    • 24 February 2014
    • Consultation outcome

  2. Increasing the transparency of donations and loans to Northern Ireland political parties

    • 30 January 2014
    • Open consultation

See all our consultations

Our publications

  1. NIO Transparency Data - Publication of Expenditure over £25,000 - January 2014

    • 18 February 2014
    • Transparency data

  2. NIO senior staff business expenses, July - September 2013

    • 20 January 2014
    • Transparency data

See all our publications

Our statistics

  1. Northern Ireland Terrorism Legislation: Annual Statistics 2012/13

    • 15 October 2013
    • Statistics

  2. The Electoral Office for Northern Ireland - The Returning Officers' Expenses

    • 15 May 2013
    • Statistics

See all our statistics

Contact NIO

Office address (Belfast)

Stormont House
Belfast
Northern Ireland
BT4 3SH

Office address (London)

1 Horse Guards Road
London
SW1A 2HQ

Press Office (media enquiries)

Make an FOI request

  1. Read about the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and how to make a request
  2. Check our previous releases to see if we’ve already answered your question
  3. Make a new request by contacting us at:

Freedom of information requests

Freedom of Information Manager
1 Horse Guards Road
London
SW1A 2HQ

Corporate information

Jobs and contracts

Read about the types of information we routinely publish in our Publication scheme.

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