Overview

This bill temporarily transfers the powers of Northern Ireland's Department of Health to the UK Secretary of State. This is a temporary measure, lasting only until a new Northern Ireland Executive is formed.

Description

The Department of Health (Northern Ireland) Bill grants the UK Secretary of State the authority to exercise the functions of the Northern Ireland Department of Health. This includes the power to make regulations and orders under the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and the Departments (Northern Ireland) Order 1999. Specifically, the Secretary of State must exercise the power to make regulations and orders. The bill also allows the Secretary of State to exercise any other statutory function related to primary healthcare in Northern Ireland, alongside any other department already possessing that power. The bill applies to all of the UK and expires automatically upon the formation of a new Northern Ireland Executive under section 16A of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly allocate any new government spending. However, the transfer of responsibilities may lead to shifts in departmental budgets and resource allocation within the UK government. Specific figures are not provided in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

• Northern Ireland Department of Health: Temporarily loses its powers and functions.
• UK Secretary of State for Health: Gains temporary responsibility for healthcare in Northern Ireland.
• Healthcare providers in Northern Ireland: May experience changes in policy and regulation due to the shift in authority.
• Citizens of Northern Ireland: Will be affected by decisions made by the UK Secretary of State regarding healthcare in Northern Ireland during the interim period.

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