"I welcome today’s announcement by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland of his intention to extend the period during which the Northern Ireland parties can form an Executive on the basis of last May’s Assembly election.

"My view on this has been clear and consistent. The people of Northern Ireland need functioning institutions, working to improve their daily lives.

"The Secretary of State’s announcement provides further space for early substantive progress in discussions between the EU and UK on the issues of most concern to people and business in NI.

"I urge the UK authorities to make use of this renewed opportunity to engage positively, and with real urgency, in the knowledge that the European Commission has listened carefully to the concerns of people across Northern Ireland, including and especially Unionists."