Northern Ireland (St Andrews Agreement) Act 2006

6 Power to refer Ministerial decision to Executive Committee

After section 28A of the 1998 Act insert—

“Power to refer Ministerial decision to Executive Committee

28B Power to refer Ministerial decision to Executive Committee

(1) This section applies if 30 members petition the Assembly expressing concern that a decision taken by a Minister or junior Minister (“the Ministerial decision”)—

(a) may have been taken in contravention of section 28A(1); or

(b) relates to a matter of public importance.

(2) But this section does not apply if the Ministerial decision has previously been the subject of a reference under this section.

(3) If the Presiding Officer, after consulting the political parties whose members hold seats in the Assembly, certifies that the Ministerial decision relates to a matter of public importance, he shall refer the decision to the Executive Committee for its consideration.

(4) Having considered the reference, the Executive Committee shall notify the Presiding Officer—

(a) whether or not the decision was, in its view, taken in contravention of section 28A(1);

(b) whether or not the decision relates, in its view, to a significant or controversial matter; and

(c) as to any action that the Executive Committee proposes to take, or has taken, in relation to the decision.

(5) No reference may be made under this section after the end of the period of seven days beginning with—

(a) the day on which the Ministerial decision was taken; or

(b) if appropriate, the day on which the decision was notified to the Assembly.

(6) Any consideration by the Executive Committee of a Ministerial decision under this section must be completed before the end of the period of seven days beginning with the day on which the reference is made.

(7) Standing orders shall make provision with respect to the procedure to be followed—

(a) in petitioning the Assembly under subsection (1); and

(b) in making a reference under this section.

(8) The periods mentioned in subsections (5) and (6) shall be computed by reference only to days on which the Assembly sits.”