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Saturday, 26 May 2012

Government in Northern Ireland

Since devolution, some policies and services are different in Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Assembly and Northern Ireland Executive are responsible for most of the issues of day-to-day concern to the people of Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland Assembly

The Northern Ireland Assembly was established as part of the Belfast Agreement (also known as the Good Friday Agreement) in 1998. Devolution to Northern Ireland was suspended in October 2002 and restored on 8 May 2007.

The Assembly debates and makes laws, and scrutinises and makes decisions on the work of the Northern Ireland government departments.

It is made up of 108 elected Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), and meets in Parliament Buildings at Stormont in Belfast.

Northern Ireland Executive

The Northern Ireland Executive is the devolved government for Northern Ireland. It is responsible for many issues, including economic and social matters, agriculture and rural development, culture, arts, education, health, social services and public safety.

The Executive Committee meets to agree on significant issues, and puts forward proposals for new laws for the Assembly to consider. It is made up of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, and the ten ministers for the government departments.

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