Overview

This bill temporarily transfers the powers of Northern Ireland's Department of Health to the UK Secretary of State. This transfer occurs only when the Northern Ireland Executive is not functioning, ensuring continued governance of health services.

Description

This bill addresses the governance of healthcare in Northern Ireland during periods when the Northern Ireland Executive is inactive. Specifically:

• Power Transfer: The bill mandates that the UK Secretary of State assumes responsibility for functions of the Northern Ireland Department of Health concerning the creation of regulations and orders. These powers are currently held by the Northern Ireland Department of Health and are based on the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and the Departments (Northern Ireland) Order 1999.
• Additional Powers: The Secretary of State also gains the power to exercise other statutory functions relating to primary healthcare in Northern Ireland alongside the Northern Ireland Department. This is not exclusive and the Department may still exercise these functions.
• Temporary Measure: The bill's provisions are temporary, expiring once the Northern Ireland Executive is re-established. The bill defines specific circumstances under which the Northern Ireland Executive is considered non-functional including the dissolution for elections or periods when the First Minister and deputy First Minister roles are vacant.
• Geographic Scope: The Act applies to the whole of the UK (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland).

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify changes to government spending. The cost implications would depend on the duration of the Northern Ireland Executive's inactivity and the specific actions undertaken by the Secretary of State.

Groups Affected

• Northern Ireland Department of Health: This department will experience a temporary reduction in its powers and responsibilities.
• UK Secretary of State for Health: This individual will gain temporary responsibility for health matters in Northern Ireland.
• Healthcare professionals and workers in Northern Ireland: Their work will potentially be overseen by a different authority during the periods of inactivity of the Northern Ireland Executive.
• People in Northern Ireland: They will continue to receive healthcare services but under a different governing authority during the period of the Northern Ireland Executive's absence.

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