Devolution means immediate changes to government in Northern Ireland. The new arrangements are shown in the diagram and the responsibilities of each new government department are set out in subsequent pages. Although the structure has changed and some functions have moved from the control of one department to another, there will be no immediate change in the way services are delivered. The great majority of offices dealing directly with the public will continue at the same address and the same telephone number, even if they become part of a new department.

In relation to Devolution a Memorandum of Understanding with associated Concordats are available below:

1. Memorandum of Understanding and supplementary agreements between the United Kingdom Government, Scottish Ministers, the Cabinet of the National Assembly for Wales and the Northern Ireland Executive Committee

2. Concordat Between the Northern Ireland Office and the Northern Ireland Executive Committee.

Excepted and reserved matters: the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland remains responsible for Northern Ireland Office matters not devolved to the Assembly. These include matters such as policing, security policy, prisons, criminal, justice, international relations, taxation, national insurance, regulation of financial services and the regulation of telecommunications and broadcasting. The Secretary of State will represent Northern Ireland's interests in the United Kingdom Cabinet.