Overview

This Bill extends the deadline for forming a Northern Ireland Executive after the 2017 Assembly election and makes provisions for governing Northern Ireland in the Executive's absence. It addresses the ongoing political deadlock and ensures the continuation of essential government functions.

Description

The bill extends the time limit for forming a Northern Ireland Executive until March 26th, 2019, with a possible five-month extension if approved by Parliament. The Secretary of State can further extend this deadline.

Key Provisions:

• Executive Formation: Extends the deadline for appointing Northern Ireland Ministers, allowing more time to resolve the political stalemate.
• Departmental Functions: Enables senior officials in Northern Ireland departments to exercise governmental functions in the absence of Ministers, prioritizing public interest.
• Equal Rights: Requires the Secretary of State to issue guidance to ensure that the absence of an Executive doesn't negatively impact the human rights of the people of Northern Ireland, addressing incompatibilities in existing legislation with Human Rights Act 1998.
• Appointment Functions: Allows UK Ministers to exercise certain appointment functions (e.g., judicial appointments) usually handled by Northern Ireland Ministers.

Government Spending

The Bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. However, it may indirectly impact spending by allowing for the continued operation of government services in Northern Ireland even without a functioning Executive. The exact costs are dependent on how long the power vacuum continues and the nature of the services delegated to officials.

Groups Affected

• People of Northern Ireland: Their access to public services and protection of their human rights are impacted by the Executive's absence. This Bill seeks to mitigate this impact.
• Northern Ireland Civil Servants: Senior officials take on increased responsibility to ensure government functions continue, potentially leading to additional workload and stress.
• Political Parties in Northern Ireland: The bill puts pressure on parties to form an Executive by providing a clear deadline. Failure to form an Executive will prolong the power vacuum.
• UK Government Ministers: UK Ministers assume some responsibilities usually held by Northern Ireland Ministers, adding to their workload.

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