The executive power in Northern Ireland is vested in Her Majesty. In relation to transferred prerogative and other executive matters, they are exercisable on Her Majesty’s behalf by any Minister or Northern Ireland Department. Acts of the Assembly or other enactments may confer functions on Ministers or by Departmental names. The Northern Ireland Civil Service […]
The Northern Ireland Civil Service was established separately from the British Civil Service when the Northern Ireland Parliament was founded. Additionally, UK Civil Service Departments have branches in Northern Ireland that deal with reserved matters excluded from the Northern Ireland Assembly’s jurisdiction. The Civil Service’s structure aligns with various Northern Ireland Departments. For details on […]
Holding Elections Elections are to take place in the first Thursday in May in every fourth calendar year following that for which the predecessor was elected. This term was extended to five years by the Northern Ireland Act 2014. The Secretary of State may change the date by order for periods of up to two […]
First and Deputy First Minister Within seven days after the meeting of the Assembly, the offices of the First Minister and deputy First Minister are filled, in accordance with the following provisions. The largest political party of the largest political designation nominated the First Minister under the 1998 Act. The largest political party of the […]
Limits of Power and Directions A Minister may not approve any secondary legislation which is incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights, EU Community law, discriminates on the ground of religious belief or political opinion, aids or incites another person to discriminate or modifies any protected enactment under the legislation. The Secretary of State […]
North / South Ministerial Council The North/South Ministerial Council was established to bring together those with executive responsibilities in Northern Ireland and the Irish Government, to develop consultation, co-operation and action within the island of Ireland – including through implementation on an all-island and cross-border basis – on matters of mutual interest within the competence […]
British-Irish Council The British-Irish Council (BIC) was established under a British-Irish (Good Friday) Agreement to promote the harmonious and mutually beneficial development of the totality of relationships among the peoples of these islands. Membership of the BIC comprises representatives of the British and Irish Governments, devolved institutions in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales and, if […]
1921-1972 The island of Ireland formerly constituted a single country and legal system which prior to 1919/22 was part of the United Kingdom. Northern Ireland was established as a separate legal system by the Government of Ireland Act 1920. Under this legislation, a considerable amount of governmental powers were devolved to Northern Ireland. The transferred […]
The Northern Ireland Act 1998 as amended, in effect comprises the Constitution of Northern Ireland. It declares that Northern Ireland in its entirety remains part of the United Kingdom and shall not cease to be so without the consent of a majority of the people in Northern Ireland. There is provision for a poll in […]
Northern Ireland, together with the 26 counties now constituting the Republic of Ireland, formerly constituted a single country and legal system which, prior to 1920, was part of the United Kingdom. Northern Ireland was established as a separate legal system by the Government of Ireland Act 1921. Under this legislation, a considerable amount of governmental […]