Effectivess And Ineffectivness Of MLA Legislation Flashcards
Local Laws for local people
*it is much more effective and popular to produce legislation locally from Stormont that from Westminster under Direct Rule
*direct rule ministers could make any decision they liked regarding Northern Ireland. This is not the same under Devolution. It is more Democratic.
Eg Sunbed Bill – This law was passed through on the back of a major local advocacy at the findings of increased risk of cancer if using them.
Legislation based on cross community support and effective legislation
*there have been good examples of effective legislation that has the support of both communities.
*cross-community support more effective due to power-sharing
Eg Taxi Bill aimed at regulating the Taxi industry. It was effective at engaging all MLA’s and had 72 amendments.
Effective legislation: The Plastic Bag levy allowed NI the chance to charge people for the use of plastic bags. This was highly effective in cutting down the use of plastic bags in NI by 72%.
Private Members Bills
*it is possible for MLAs to introduce individual legislation
*this can allow MLAs the chance to make legislation based on the needs of their local constituencies.
Eg The Human Trafficking Bill was introduced by Lord Morrow.
Sources of Legislation
*it is possible to introduce legislation from several sources.
*the Executive could push forward bills. MLAs can Introduce their own Private Members Bills or Committees can have their power to initiate legislation.
*this committee power is the first in the UK, and gives committees a great deal of power
Eg Public Services Ombudsman Bill
Limited nature of legislative powers
*the NI Assembly only has a limited amount of power.
*many matters are devolved but some are exempt and remain with Westminster. Taxation remains with Westminster along with Military use.
Eg Corporation tax. Many argue NI could compete a lot better by having a competitive tax rate with the Republic
gridlock
*while there has been cooperation on some legislation. There is also the case that gridlock can easily paralyse the system in Northern Ireland when contested issues leads to friction and fall out.
*the nature of Northern Ireland politics means that some of the most controversial issues like legislation for parading and flags are often pushed to the side and never sorted
*this is also seen in the gridlock regarding the Irish Language Act between the DUP and SF.
DUP SF strangle hold/carve up of power
*due to power-sharing system power has to be divided between a unionist and nationalist party
*all legislation must be passed by the OFMDFM and this can lead to legislation getting killed before it is initiated.
Eg The use of Petition of Concerns was used 86 times by the DUP between 2022-2016
Lack of legislation and Private Members and Committee Bills
*legislation dominated by the executive
*2011-2016 term only 67 executive bills passed
*there was only 5 PMBs between 2011-2016
Eg Autism Bill by Pam Cameron or the Free Period Products by Pat Catney.
*these bills can be rejected by the Executive due to the dominance of larger parties
*similarly, Committee Bills can create yet only made 2 bills in the same time period.
Eg Public services Ombudsman Bill
Conclusion
Even though effective legislation has been passed and there are different sources, I believe legislation is ineffective as there is an obvious lack of legislation being produced due to the dominance of the executive and gridlock between DUP and SF
