Overview

This bill, the Northern Ireland (Stormont Agreement and Implementation Plan) Bill, implements parts of the 2015 Stormont Agreement. It establishes an Independent Reporting Commission to investigate paramilitary activity, extends the time for appointing Northern Ireland ministers, adds to the ministers' pledge of office, requires Assembly members to give an undertaking, and alters the process for the Northern Ireland Executive's budget.

Description

The bill covers several key areas:

Independent Reporting Commission:

Establishes an Independent Reporting Commission (the Commission) to investigate paramilitary activity in Northern Ireland. The Commission will have legal protections and will be funded by the Secretary of State. Its work must not jeopardize national security, endanger lives, or hinder crime investigations or legal proceedings. The Secretary of State will issue guidance to the commission.

Ministerial Appointments:

Extends the time allowed for appointing Northern Ireland Ministers after an Assembly election from seven to fourteen days.

Ministerial and Assembly Member Pledges:

Adds clauses to the pledge of office for Northern Ireland Ministers, requiring them to support the rule of law, work to end paramilitarism, and reject any external influence on their political activities. A similar undertaking is required of all Assembly Members before they can take their seats.

Northern Ireland Executive's Budget:

Amends the process for laying draft budgets before the Assembly, requiring the Minister of Finance and Personnel to provide statements detailing UK government funding and ensuring the budget doesn't exceed this funding.

Government Spending

The bill will lead to government expenditure on the Independent Reporting Commission. The exact amount is not specified in the bill text but will be determined by the Secretary of State.

Groups Affected

• Northern Ireland Ministers: Their appointment process is altered, and their pledge of office is amended.
• Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly: Required to give a new undertaking before taking their seats.
• Paramilitary groups: The Independent Reporting Commission's work will directly affect them.
• Individuals involved in paramilitary activity: May be subject to investigation by the Commission.
• The Northern Ireland Executive: Its budget process is modified.
• UK Government: Will fund the Commission and have a greater role in overseeing the Northern Ireland Executive's budget.

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