The Northern Ireland Assembly meets in Parliament Buildings, Stormont, Belfast. It has full authority to make laws and take decisions on the functions of the Northern Ireland Government Departments. The Executive Committee, which exercises executive authority on behalf of the Assembly, brings forward proposals for new legislation in the form of ‘Executive Bills’ for consideration by the Assembly. It also sets out a Programme for Government each year, with an agreed budget for approval by the Assembly.
Assembly Members
The Assembly has 108 elected MLAs (Members of the Legislative Assembly) who were elected by proportional representation. Six MLAs are elected from each of the 18 constituencies. Details on all MLAs are available on the Assembly website. MLA’s responsibilities include participating in plenary meetings in the Assembly Chamber, Membership of the Assembly Committees and representing their Constituents’ concerns. Constituents can contact their MLAs in their constituency offices or Parliament Buildings.
The Speaker
The Speaker of the Assembly is elected by Members of the Assembly. He/she is responsible for chairing debates in the Assembly, acts as the Assembly’s representative, and chairs the Assembly’s Business Committee and corporate body.
Plenary meetings
Full meetings of the Assembly, known as plenary meetings, are usually held twice a week, on Mondays and Tuesdays. Members of the public are welcome to attend. During the meetings Members consider legislation, debate motions and ask questions of Ministers about matters concerning government departments.
Committees
The Assembly has a range of Committees known as Statutory, Standing or Ad Hoc Committees. The Statutory Committees scrutinise the work of the Northern Ireland Government Departments. They have the power to recommend changes to the policies and decisions of the Departments, put forward amendments to Bills and may also carry out independent investigations into any current issues that Ministers may be considering. They meet at least weekly and most meetings are open to the public.The Standing Committees include the Public Accounts Committee and they assist the Assembly in its work by looking at issues such as procedures, and the business of the Assembly. The Assembly can also set up Ad Hoc Committees that last only as long as they are needed to carry out a specific piece of work.
Visiting the Assembly
Parliament Buildings is open to the public between 9.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday. Tours of the building can be arranged through an MLA. Groups can participate in the Education Programme
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More information
Information about what is happening at the Assembly and about visiting Parliament Buildings can be obtained from the Assembly website, the Information Office on +44 (0) 28 9052 1333 or by email info.office@niassembly.gov.uk.
