the northern ireland executive committee

Question 1

what are the functions of the executive committee? (5)

Answer 1

1- setting agenda/policy/initiatives/devolved matters.
2-maintain ni parity with uk.
3-agree with executive bills.
4-dealing with crisis that arise.
5-promote/ensure political development.

Question 2

who is included in the executive committee?

Answer 2

12 ministers;
8 executive ministers, 2 junior ministers and the first and deputy first ministers.

Question 3

how are the members of the executive committee appointed? (4)

Answer 3

-d’hondt- a mathematical formula which grants ministers based on party membership.
-ensure executive is proportionate.
- put in place post St Andrews 2006/2007
-fm/dfm can appoint stand ins if needed - foster for mcguiness.

Question 4

why is d’hondt used to appoint ministers?

Answer 4

to ensure proportionality and consociationalism, that smaller parties are still being represented.

Question 5

what are the powers/functions of the executive office? (5)

Answer 5

1- hold majority to push MLA’s to pass their agenda
2- decide no. of depts and ministers
3- represent NI diplomatically.
4- appoint ministers to act on behalf
5- respond efficiently to media

Question 6

what limitations are there on the power of the executive office? (5)

Answer 6

1- ministers of individual depts have more power
2- collective responsibility is not upheld
3- they don’t choice their nominated individuals for the executive committee
4- mandatory coalition.

Question 7

egs of divisions within the executive committee and why are they so significant? (3)

Answer 7

1- maze prison.
2- welfare reform.
3- Irish language act led to lack of cohesion in NI

so significant because it led to divisions in executive which didn’t allow executive to act effectively.

Question 8

how much power do individual ministers on the executive committee have?

Answer 8

can ‘solo run’ which passes legislation without the support from the executive; eg, mcguiness abolishing 11+ exam.

only ‘real’ power is the appointment/dismissal of a party leader.

Question 9

explain how the executive committee is different to the assembly.

Answer 9

the executive committee is in control of assembly business and proposes much of the legislation .

the executive committee is drawn from assembly but not an assembly committee.