Overview

This bill proposes a short extension to the deadline for appointing ministers to the Northern Ireland Executive following the May 2022 Assembly election. The extension aims to provide additional time to facilitate the formation of a power-sharing government.

Description

The Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill amends the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc.) Act 2022. Specifically, it changes the date by which ministers must be appointed. The original deadline of 18 January 2024 is shifted to 8 February 2024. This is the sole substantive change made by the bill. The bill applies to the whole of the UK and comes into effect immediately upon being passed.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to have a significant impact on government spending. The extension only delays a pre-existing deadline and does not introduce new financial commitments.

Groups Affected

The main groups affected are the political parties in Northern Ireland, who are directly involved in forming the Executive. The delay could impact their negotiations and the delivery of devolved services in Northern Ireland, depending on the length of the delay. The people of Northern Ireland are indirectly affected, as the lack of a functioning Executive may affect the provision of public services.

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