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Assembly Committees - How they work

The Assembly has 11 Statutory Committees with a Chair and a Deputy Chair allocated using the proportional d'Hondt System. Membership of Committees is in broad proportion to party strengths in the Assembly to ensure that the opportunity of Committee places is available to all Members.

Each Committee has a scrutiny, policy development and consultation role in relation to its Department and a role in the initiation of legislation. They have the power to:

  • Consider and advise on Departmental budgets and annual plans within the overall budget allocation
  • Approve relevant secondary legislation and take the Committee stage of relevant primary legislation
  • Call for persons and papers to advise and assist Northern Ireland Ministers in forming policy
  • Initiate enquiries and make reports
  • Consider and advise on matters referred to the Committee by its Minister


A number of permanent Standing Committees are also established:

  • Committee for the Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister (previously known as the Committee of the Centre) - monitors functions carried out by the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister
  • Committee on Procedures - to monitor the working of the Assembly
  • Business Committee - to timetable Assembly business
  • Public Accounts Committee - consider reports of public bodies' accounts
  • Committee on Standards and Privileges - monitor Members conduct and interests
  • Audit Committee - takes on some responsibilities currently held by the Department of Finance and Personnel
  • Assembly and Exeucitve Review Committee - to review the efficiency and value for money of the institutions. 

As a result of the St Andrews Agreement the Committee of the Centre was placed on a statutory footing like that of the other departmental scrutiny committees. The St Andrews Agreement also made way for an additional scrutiny committee which will be known as the Institutional Review Committee. Ad Hoc Committees may be established to consider time-bounded issues (e.g. privatisation of Belfast Harbour).

Contact Stratagem if you require any further information on work or membership of Assembly Committees ideas@stratagem-ni.com

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