Overview

This bill, the Northern Ireland (Stormont Agreement and Implementation Plan) Bill, makes several changes relating to Northern Ireland's governance and budget, primarily to implement parts of the 2015 Stormont Agreement. Key changes include establishing an Independent Reporting Commission to investigate paramilitary activity, altering the pledges made by ministers, and clarifying the Northern Ireland Executive's budget process.

Description

Independent Reporting Commission:

The bill establishes an Independent Reporting Commission to investigate paramilitary activity. The Commission will have legal protections and will be tasked with promoting progress towards ending paramilitarism in Northern Ireland, while adhering to restrictions to avoid jeopardizing national security, compromising investigations, or endangering lives.

Ministerial Appointments and Pledges:

The bill extends the timeframe for appointing Northern Ireland Ministers after an election and adds clauses to the ministerial pledge of office. The added clauses require ministers to unequivocally support the rule of law, work to achieve a society free of paramilitarism, challenge paramilitary activity and associated criminality, and reject any influence on their political activities outside of their democratic mandate.

Assembly Member Undertaking:

Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly must now give an undertaking similar to the new ministerial pledge before taking their seats. This reinforces commitment to the rule of law and ending paramilitarism.

Northern Ireland Executive's Budget:

The bill requires the Minister of Finance to present a statement to the Assembly detailing UK government funding before and alongside the budget. It adds additional requirements to ensure that the Executive's budget doesn't exceed the funding provided.

Government Spending

The bill does not explicitly state specific figures for increased government spending. However, it will lead to costs associated with establishing and running the Independent Reporting Commission, including salaries, premises, and resources. The exact cost will depend on the scale of operations.

Groups Affected

• Northern Ireland Ministers: Face a revised pledge of office and extended appointment period.
• Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly: Required to give a new undertaking before taking office.
• Paramilitary groups: The Independent Reporting Commission will investigate their activities.
• Northern Ireland Executive: Budgetary processes are modified and made more transparent.
• UK Government: Will provide funding for the Independent Reporting Commission and is subject to a more defined budgetary process with Northern Ireland.

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