Northern Ireland Committees

Question 1

what are the four types of committees in Northern Ireland assembly

Answer 1

1. Statutory
2. Standing
3. joint
4. Ad Hoc

Question 2

what are the features of statutory committees

Answer 2

• main method of scrutiny for executive
• one for each department
• given enhanced powers due to absence of formal opposition

Question 3

how can statutory committees scrutinize legislation

Answer 3

• relevant committee goes through proposed legislation line by line
• proposes amendments to draft legislation
• more cooperative than conflictual
• assembly education services estimates 76% amendments accepted

EXAMPLES:
- agriculture committee on forestry bill 2009-2010 number of amendments including fee for felling trees
- Welfare of animals bills 2011= complete ban on docking of tails(with exceptions)

Question 4

how can statutory committees scrutinize ministers

Answer 4

• scrutinize ministers actions
• section 44 of GFA and standing order 46(2) committee can call ‘persons and papers’ and can compel them to go
• documents can be made available for committees for examination

Question 5

how can statutory committees scrutinize budget

Answer 5

• consider and advise on departmental and spending plan
• in context of overall budget

EXAMPLES:
- 2009-2010 £34 million unspent committee argued for and achieved new allocation of funds and in 2010-2011 funded young farmers clubs and agricultural shows

Question 6

what are statutory committee inquiries

Answer 6

• committees ca conduct inquiries if they aren’t satisfied with ministerial responses or if media raise an issue of public interest
• includes detailed hearings and lengthy discussions

EXAMPLES:
- Health committee-2008 inquiry and report on ‘self harm’
- Executive committee-2007-2008 inquiry into child poverty

Question 7

What are statutory reports

Answer 7

• after inquiry report will be posted where the assembly debates
• assembly decides if findings are going to be enacted
• relevant minister expected to respond and further a written response in the year
• 70% taken aboard

EXAMPLES:
- extension of provisions of the Post Office Horizon system offences bill to N.I

Question 8

How can statutory committees initiate legislation

Answer 8

• always envisaged from creation that committees would take active role in this area
• has not happened for a variety of reasons
• only been one successful legislation by statutory committee (public service Ombudsman act 2015)

Question 9

what are statutory committee reviews

Answer 9

• allows committees to explore certain areas or issues
• allows committees to keep up to date with specific areas within their remit giving them greater knowledge when dealing with legislation

EXAMPLE:
- Education committee looked into potential changes to A-Level

Question 10

what are 6 examples of standing committees in Northern Ireland

Answer 10

• Business committee: arranges plenary business
• Audit committee: scrutinizes spending plans and accounts of NI audit office
• committee on procedures: reviews standing orders and assembly procedures
• standards and privileges committee: deals with conduct of ministers
• public accounts committee: scrutinizes use of resources by departments and government agencies
• assembly and executive review committee: range of matters relating to functioning of assembly and executive committee

Question 11

what are the other committees functions

Answer 11

• Ad hoc committee: assembly quickly establishes committee to consider time based issues such as legislation such as the WRB bill
• joint committees: mix between 2 statutory committees for specific cross departmental issues