The Assembly
The Assembly, began it’s devolved governance of Northern Ireland on midnight, the 1st of December, 1999. This was the result of three events: the signing of the Belfast Agreement (or “Good Friday Agreement”), the endorsement of that agreement by the people of Northern Ireland through a referendum and lastly the Northern Ireland Act defining the future institutions of government here. There have been changes to the operation of the Assembly since then, principally through the St Andrews Agreement and as a result, Northern Ireland enjoys a relative degree of peace. At least that is the way the history books read, but one crucial element that must be credited is God’s grace in Christ upon Northern Ireland and the power of prayer.
One values the democratic institutions of Northern Ireland even more when you realize that they are an answer to prayers from 1000’s of individuals across this land, everywhere and over many decades. We believe that God should get the glory for this as well as praising the hard work of individuals who helped to make our institutions of government a reality.
Romans 13:1 says, “For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” May we understand then the powers of government and how it all works so that we may use those powers wisely in accordance with righteousness, for the glory of God and the blessing and benefit of all people.
Proverbs 29:2 says, “ When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.”
How It All Works
The Assembly, with it’s 108 Members (6 from each Westminster constituency), has the power to govern Northern Ireland in respect of “transferred matters”. These include health, education, agriculture, etc. The Assembly can also rule on “reserved matters”, such as policing and criminal law with the consent of the Secretary of State. “Excepted matters” still remain with the United Kingdom Parliament.
The Assembly can therefore propose legislation in the form of a draft. This draft legislation” is known as a “Bill”. When the Speaker concludes that a “Bill” is within the Assembly’s remit of authority then it is introduced for debate within the Chamber and scrutinized by the appropriate Statutory Committee. Amendments and changes to the Bill may follow.
Once the Bill is in it’s final agreed state, approved by a vote within the Assembly, accepted by the Secretary of State and given Royal Assent it matures into an “Act”. Primary legislation, legislation that the Assembly has the power to authorize for Northern Ireland, takes the form of “Acts”.
It is important to know that Ministers, Committees, and individual Members (your MLAs) can propose a Bill to the Speaker for consideration by the Assembly. This is why it is so important to communicate with your MLA.
The Role of the Executive
The First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the 10 Ministers appointed over each of the government’s departments make up the Executive Committee. These Ministers are appointed according to Party strengths, their primary function is to propose new legislation (Bills) for consideration by the Assembly and to set out an annual Programme for Government. This includes a budget in the form of a Budget Bill to be approved by the Assembly.
The Role of Committees
The Assembly carries out it’s work, not only through debates in the Chamber, but through Committees. There are three types of Committees:
Statutory Committees
There are 11 of these Committees established under the Northern Ireland Act of 1998 and the Northern Ireland Act of 2006 (the St. Andrews Agreement). Statutory Committees scrutinize proposed legislation, commission reports, initiate inquiries, advise on departmental budgets and annual plans and take account of matters brought to their attention by Ministers. They can also invite individuals and organizations to provide information.
Standing Committees
There are 6 Standing Committees established by the Assembly. They help to arrange Plenary Sessions (meetings of the Assembly when all Members are present). They review Standing Orders, Assembly procedures and matters relating to the conduct of members and privilege. They also review the use of resources by Departments and government agencies.
Ad Hoc Committees
Usually temporary Committees established by the Assembly to consider very specific issues at a given time in order to report back to the Assembly.
Click Here For A List of Committees - Knowing which Committees are relevant to your needs and which MLAs sit on those Committees can be very important. You can see a listing of committees and follow their diaries on the NI Assembly website by clicking on this link.
Following the Assembly
See when the Assembly is meeting by following their Weekly Diary on the NI Assembly Website, also use “The Assembly Today” link to see the order of business for that day. They are usually in session on Mondays from 12 noon and Tuesdays from 10:30am at which times the public can also view proceedings from the Public Galleries.
A detailed verbatim report of what has been said during Assembly proceedings can be found in the Official Report (Hansard Report). Click here or follow the link to your right.
Receive information on when the media reports on proceedings or view live video!
We hope that you have found this information helpful in understanding how to pray for, follow and engage with the Northern Ireland Assembly. More information can be found at their website - www.niassembly.gov.uk
