Overview

This bill amends the Northern Ireland Act 1998, primarily focusing on requirements for cross-community support in the Northern Ireland Assembly when changing the Assembly's size, and introducing safeguards for the independence and impartiality of key Northern Irish bodies, including the Civil Service Commissioners and the Human Rights Commission. It also clarifies the commencement of certain provisions relating to the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012.

Description

The bill makes several key changes:

• Changes to Assembly Size: A new section 7A is added to the Northern Ireland Act 1998, mandating cross-community support within the Assembly for any bill altering its size. The Secretary of State cannot submit a bill for Royal Assent if this requirement isn't met.
• Safeguarding Civil Service Independence: The bill requires a report to Parliament at least three months before any order amending the Civil Service Commissioners for Northern Ireland is laid before Parliament. The report must address the impact on the commissioners' independence, merit-based appointments, and the impartiality of the civil service.
• Safeguarding Human Rights Commission Independence: Similar reporting requirements are introduced before any order amending the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission is laid before Parliament, addressing the impact on the commission's independence, adherence to international principles, and its relationship with the Assembly.
• Protection of Freedoms Act 2012: The bill clarifies the commencement of section 24, linking it to the commencement of paragraph 8(1) of Schedule 1 to the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify any government spending figures. The costs will likely be associated with the additional reporting requirements placed on the Secretary of State, and any potential legal challenges arising from the new cross-community support requirements. Exact figures are unavailable from the provided text.

Groups Affected

• Northern Ireland Assembly: The Assembly's ability to alter its own size is significantly restricted by the requirement for cross-community support.
• Northern Ireland Civil Service Commissioners: Their independence and the processes for appointments are subject to increased scrutiny.
• Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission: Its independence and relationship with the Assembly are subject to increased scrutiny.
• Secretary of State for Northern Ireland: Takes on additional reporting responsibilities.
• Parliament: Receives additional reports impacting decision-making related to Northern Ireland.

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