T10. Mr Sheehan asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister to give an update on Programme for Government preparations and commit that it will be debated in the Chamber and published for public consultation before summer recess. (AQT 370/22-27)

As indicated, the election being called has an impact on the guidance on when we can publish and commence our consultation.

It is something that, last week, I took the opportunity to mention to the First Ministers of Scotland and Wales. They are in a similar position with their programmes for government in that they have reasonably well-developed programmes but will have to pause publication of them until after the election period. That gives us an opportunity however, as work will go on in the coming weeks, to continue to look at the issues.

It is important to say that whatever is published as the Programme for Government will not be the final version. It will be published for consultation. We are acutely aware of wanting to hear from people about their views on the issues. We want to get that out for consultation as soon as possible. Absolutely, that process should be commenced with a debate in the Assembly if at all possible — I believe that it will be — but the key thing will be to get out on the ground throughout every part and place of Northern Ireland to ensure that the maximum number of people respond to the consultation and that we are informed on the way forward.

That brings to a conclusion questions to the deputy First Minister. Congratulations, deputy First Minister. You are the first Minister to have got through all your questions, the topical and the main set of questions.