Flurry of activity as seven bills introduced at Stormont

In a flurry of activity the Northern Ireland Executive has today approved the introduction of seven bills to the assembly.

In the face of fierce criticism about the lack of legislation passed by the newly devolved Northern Ireland assembly, the launch of seven different bills will please many detractors.

Legislation to amend or change the law is brought about by way of a bill, which sets out proposed law presented to the Assembly for scrutiny and discussion.

The Minister of the Environment brought forward three bills for approval by the Executive - the Planning Amendment Bill, the Air Quality Management Bill and the Pollution, Prevention and Control Bill.

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment brought forward two bills - the Insolvency Bill and the Company Directors’ Disqualification Bill.

The Minister for Regional Development submitted, and gained approval for the Strategic Planning (Northern Ireland) Bill which will provide an over-arching strategic planning framework to facilitate and guide the development of the whole region until 2025.

There was approval too for a Marriage Bill to be introduced to the Assembly by the Minister of Finance and Personnel. The Bill includes a new system for preliminary notification of marriage and the modernisation and relaxation of the rules relating to venues for marriages.

The Executive also approved a Policy Memorandum and Draft Northern Ireland Energy Bill, which will be put out for consultation by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Industry. The proposed Bill will deal with priority energy issues including new regulatory and consumer representation. It will also enable the extension of the gas industry here.

The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety presented a paper on the reshaping and improvement of hospital services and administrative health structures in Northern Ireland. The Executive agreed that the Minister should publish the paper for consultation.

Ministers also agreed the annual progress report on the Programme for Government and agreed that it will be published before the summer recess.

The Executive received a progress report on the Review of Public Administration, and agreed that the Minister of Finance and Personnel should initiate a consultation exercise on the report of the Senior Civil Service Review.

A bill becomes an Act when it has been passed by the Assembly and receives Royal Assent.

(AMcE)