Misplaced Pages

#996003

96-669: On 11 March 2022 ministers from the five main political parties in Northern Ireland and six abusing institutions made statements of apology in the Northern Ireland Assembly . A typical apology was "Today we, as representatives of the state, say that we are sorry ... that the state's systems failed to protect you from abuse". The inquiry was set up in response to the Inquiry into Historical Institutional Abuse Act (Northern Ireland) 2013 (c. 2 (N.I.)). Following

192-665: A "Transitional Assembly established under the Northern Ireland (St Andrews Agreement) Act 2006" – to continue to contribute to preparations for the restoration of devolved government. A person who was a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly was also a member of the Transitional Assembly, with the same speaker and deputy speaker as elected for "the Assembly". The Transitional Assembly first met on 24 November 2006 but proceedings were suspended due to

288-457: A "Transitional Assembly established under the Northern Ireland (St Andrews Agreement) Act 2006" – to continue to contribute to preparations for the restoration of devolved government. A person who was a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly was also a member of the Transitional Assembly, with the same speaker and deputy speaker as elected for "the Assembly". The Transitional Assembly first met on 24 November 2006 but proceedings were suspended due to

384-605: A UUP administration . For its first two elections it used proportional representation ( Single transferable voting ) but switched to First-past-the-post voting in 1929. It was suspended by the UK Government on 30 March 1972 and formally abolished in 1973 under the Northern Ireland Constitution Act 1973 . Northern Ireland was subsequently administered by direct rule until 1999, with a brief exception in 1974. Attempts began to restore on

480-426: A bomb threat by loyalist paramilitary Michael Stone . It was dissolved on 30 January 2007 when the election campaign for the next Northern Ireland Assembly started. Subsequently, a new election to the suspended Northern Ireland Assembly was held on 7 March 2007. The DUP and Sinn Féin consolidated their positions as the two largest parties in the election and agreed to enter government together. Peter Hain signed

576-426: A bomb threat by loyalist paramilitary Michael Stone . It was dissolved on 30 January 2007 when the election campaign for the next Northern Ireland Assembly started. Subsequently, a new election to the suspended Northern Ireland Assembly was held on 7 March 2007. The DUP and Sinn Féin consolidated their positions as the two largest parties in the election and agreed to enter government together. Peter Hain signed

672-553: A field of competences known as "transferred matters". These matters are not explicitly given in the Northern Ireland Act 1998. Rather they include any competence not explicitly retained by the Parliament at Westminster. Powers reserved by Westminster are divided into "excepted matters", which it retains indefinitely, and "reserved matters", which may be transferred to the competence of the Northern Ireland Assembly at

768-422: A field of competences known as "transferred matters". These matters are not explicitly given in the Northern Ireland Act 1998. Rather they include any competence not explicitly retained by the Parliament at Westminster. Powers reserved by Westminster are divided into "excepted matters", which it retains indefinitely, and "reserved matters", which may be transferred to the competence of the Northern Ireland Assembly at

864-486: A future date. A list of transferred, reserved and excepted matters is given below. While the Assembly was in suspension, its legislative powers were exercised by the UK Government, which governs through procedures at Westminster. Laws that would have normally been within the competence of the Assembly were passed by the UK Parliament in the form of Orders-in-Council rather than Acts of the Assembly. Further, when

960-423: A future date. A list of transferred, reserved and excepted matters is given below. While the Assembly was in suspension, its legislative powers were exercised by the UK Government, which governs through procedures at Westminster. Laws that would have normally been within the competence of the Assembly were passed by the UK Parliament in the form of Orders-in-Council rather than Acts of the Assembly. Further, when

1056-669: A new basis that would see power shared between nationalists and unionists . To this end a new legislature, the Northern Ireland Assembly , was established in 1973 with a power-sharing Executive taking office in January 1974. However, this body was brought down by the Ulster Workers' Council strike in May 1974. Political discussions continued against the continued backdrop of the Troubles . In 1982, another Northern Ireland Assembly

SECTION 10

#1732783747997

1152-787: A permanent basis were initially frustrated by disagreements between the two main unionist parties (the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and the Ulster Unionist Party ) and Sinn Féin . Unionist representatives refused to participate in the Good Friday Agreement's institutions alongside Sinn Féin until they were assured that the IRA had discontinued its activities, decommissioned its weapons, and disbanded. The Assembly's suspension from October 2002 to May 2007 occurred when unionist parties withdrew from

1248-515: A permanent basis were initially frustrated by disagreements between the two main unionist parties (the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and the Ulster Unionist Party ) and Sinn Féin . Unionist representatives refused to participate in the Good Friday Agreement's institutions alongside Sinn Féin until they were assured that the IRA had discontinued its activities, decommissioned its weapons, and disbanded. The Assembly's suspension from October 2002 to May 2007 occurred when unionist parties withdrew from

1344-575: A person unless the chairperson has sent them a warning letter, with a reasonable opportunity to respond. Victims and survivors were represented by the inquiry's legal team at hearings; other witness were allowed their own legal representatives. Only the Inquiry legal team questioned witnesses, and victims and survivors were not normally cross examined by anyone else except in extremely unusual cases. The inquiry concluded its hearings on 8 July 2016 and released its report on 20 January 2017. In October 2019

1440-936: A preliminary to the restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive. Multi-party talks in October 2006 resulted in the St Andrews Agreement , wherein Sinn Féin committed to support the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the mechanism for nominating First and deputy First Ministers was changed. In May 2006, Ian Paisley , leader of the DUP, had refused Sinn Féin's nomination to be First Minister alongside Sinn Féin's chief negotiator, Martin McGuinness , as deputy First Minister; after

1536-502: A preliminary to the restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive. Multi-party talks in October 2006 resulted in the St Andrews Agreement , wherein Sinn Féin committed to support the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the mechanism for nominating First and deputy First Ministers was changed. In May 2006, Ian Paisley , leader of the DUP, had refused Sinn Féin's nomination to be First Minister alongside Sinn Féin's chief negotiator, Martin McGuinness , as deputy First Minister; after

1632-830: A request to extend its timescale, the inquiry's report was delivered to the First Minister and deputy First Minister (who had no powers to change it) on 6 January 2017, shortly before the deadline of 18 January, and published on 20 January. The cost was estimated at £17–19m, with 30 people working on the enquiry according to its Frequently Asked Questions as of January 2017. There are provisions for witness support. The inquiry had statutory powers to compel witnesses living in Northern Ireland to appear before it and evidence held in Northern Ireland to be given to it; to take evidence under oath; and to be held in public except where necessary to protect individuals' privacy. Inquiry Rule 14(3) does not allow any explicit or significant criticism of

1728-728: A restoration order on 25 March 2007 allowing for the restoration of devolution at midnight on the following day. An administration was eventually established on 10 May with Ian Paisley as First Minister and Martin McGuinness as deputy First Minister. This third Assembly was the first legislature in Northern Ireland to complete a full term since the Northern Ireland Parliament which convened between 1965 and 1969 and saw powers in relation to policing and justice transferred from Westminster on 12 April 2010. Peter Robinson succeeded Ian Paisley as First Minister and DUP leader in 2008. A five-year term came into effect with

1824-647: A restoration order on 25 March 2007 allowing for the restoration of devolution at midnight on the following day. An administration was eventually established on 10 May with Ian Paisley as First Minister and Martin McGuinness as deputy First Minister. This third Assembly was the first legislature in Northern Ireland to complete a full term since the Northern Ireland Parliament which convened between 1965 and 1969 and saw powers in relation to policing and justice transferred from Westminster on 12 April 2010. Peter Robinson succeeded Ian Paisley as First Minister and DUP leader in 2008. A five-year term came into effect with

1920-471: A victim of the De La Salle Brothers, had since died. Peter Murdock, from campaign group Savia, was at Nazareth Lodge Orphanage with his brother (who had recently died); he likened the institution to an "SS camp". He said "It's shocking to hear a nun from the institution apologising ... it comes 30 years too late ... people need to realise that it has to come from the heart. They say it came from

2016-792: A wide range of areas that are not explicitly reserved to the Parliament of the United Kingdom , and to appoint the Northern Ireland Executive . It sits at Parliament Buildings at Stormont in Belfast . The Assembly is a unicameral , democratically elected body comprising 90 members known as members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). Members are elected under the single transferable vote form of proportional representation (STV-PR). In turn,

SECTION 20

#1732783747997

2112-464: Is dissolved shortly before the holding of elections on a day chosen by the Secretary of State . After each election the Assembly must meet within eight days. The Assembly can vote to dissolve itself early by a two-thirds majority of the total number of its members. It is also automatically dissolved if it is unable to elect a First Minister and deputy First Minister (effectively joint first ministers,

2208-408: Is dissolved shortly before the holding of elections on a day chosen by the Secretary of State . After each election the Assembly must meet within eight days. The Assembly can vote to dissolve itself early by a two-thirds majority of the total number of its members. It is also automatically dissolved if it is unable to elect a First Minister and deputy First Minister (effectively joint first ministers,

2304-456: Is found to: A transferred matter is defined as "any matter which is not an excepted or reserved matter". There is therefore no full listing of transferred matters but they have been grouped into the responsibilities of the Northern Ireland Executive ministers: Reserved matters are outlined in Schedule 3 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998: Excepted matters are outlined in Schedule 2 of

2400-400: Is found to: A transferred matter is defined as "any matter which is not an excepted or reserved matter". There is therefore no full listing of transferred matters but they have been grouped into the responsibilities of the Northern Ireland Executive ministers: Reserved matters are outlined in Schedule 3 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998: Excepted matters are outlined in Schedule 2 of

2496-559: The Good Friday (or Belfast) Agreement . The first election of members of the New Northern Ireland Assembly was on 25 June 1998 and it first met on 1 July 1998. However, it only existed in "shadow" form until 2 December 1999 when full powers were devolved to the Assembly. Since then the Assembly has operated with several interruptions and has been suspended on six occasions: Attempts to secure its operation on

2592-750: The North/South Ministerial Council with the Republic of Ireland . The Agreement aimed to end Northern Ireland's violent 30-year Troubles . The first Assembly election was held in June 1998.   Lowercase "d" per here . From June 1921 until March 1972, the devolved legislature for Northern Ireland was the Parliament of Northern Ireland , established by the Government of Ireland Act 1920 and meeting from 1932 at Stormont , outside Belfast. Due to gerrymandering practices,

2688-427: The Northern Ireland Executive after Sinn Féin's offices at Stormont were raided by police, who were investigating allegations of intelligence gathering on behalf of the IRA by members of the party's support staff. The Assembly, already suspended, was dissolved on 28 April 2003 as scheduled, but the elections due the following month were postponed by the UK Government and were not held until November that year. Although

2784-427: The Northern Ireland Executive after Sinn Féin's offices at Stormont were raided by police, who were investigating allegations of intelligence gathering on behalf of the IRA by members of the party's support staff. The Assembly, already suspended, was dissolved on 28 April 2003 as scheduled, but the elections due the following month were postponed by the UK Government and were not held until November that year. Although

2880-625: The fourth Assembly elected in 2011 . The subsequent period was dominated by issues of culture and dealing with the past which culminated in the Fresh Start Agreement in 2014. The first Official Opposition in the Assembly was formed by the UUP in the closing months of the fourth term. Following the election of the fifth Assembly in 2016, the DUP and Sinn Féin formed the fourth Executive , with Arlene Foster as First Minister and Martin McGuinness continuing deputy First Minister. In

2976-504: The fourth Assembly elected in 2011 . The subsequent period was dominated by issues of culture and dealing with the past which culminated in the Fresh Start Agreement in 2014. The first Official Opposition in the Assembly was formed by the UUP in the closing months of the fourth term. Following the election of the fifth Assembly in 2016, the DUP and Sinn Féin formed the fourth Executive , with Arlene Foster as First Minister and Martin McGuinness continuing deputy First Minister. In

Northern Ireland Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry - Misplaced Pages Continue

3072-424: The metonym Stormont , is the devolved legislature of Northern Ireland . It has power to legislate in a wide range of areas that are not explicitly reserved to the Parliament of the United Kingdom , and to appoint the Northern Ireland Executive . It sits at Parliament Buildings at Stormont in Belfast . The Assembly is a unicameral , democratically elected body comprising 90 members known as members of

3168-503: The Assembly in law under the name New Northern Ireland Assembly , in accordance with the Good Friday (or Belfast) Agreement . The first election of members of the New Northern Ireland Assembly was on 25 June 1998 and it first met on 1 July 1998. However, it only existed in "shadow" form until 2 December 1999 when full powers were devolved to the Assembly. Since then the Assembly has operated with several interruptions and has been suspended on six occasions: Attempts to secure its operation on

3264-481: The Assembly is dissolved early, elections should occur once every four years on the first Thursday in May. The Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 was passed to bring the Northern Ireland Assembly into line with the other devolved legislatures and to extend each Assembly term to five years instead of four. The second election to the Assembly was delayed by the UK government until 26 November 2003. The Assembly

3360-433: The Assembly is dissolved early, elections should occur once every four years on the first Thursday in May. The Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 was passed to bring the Northern Ireland Assembly into line with the other devolved legislatures and to extend each Assembly term to five years instead of four. The second election to the Assembly was delayed by the UK government until 26 November 2003. The Assembly

3456-545: The Assembly is suspended, certain devolved matters revert to the remit of the British–Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC). The BIIGC guarantees the Government of Ireland a say in areas of bilateral co-operation and on those matters not yet devolved to the Assembly or the North/South Ministerial Council . Acts of the Northern Ireland Assembly as with other subordinate legislatures are subject to judicial review. A law can be struck down if it

3552-461: The Assembly is suspended, certain devolved matters revert to the remit of the British–Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC). The BIIGC guarantees the Government of Ireland a say in areas of bilateral co-operation and on those matters not yet devolved to the Assembly or the North/South Ministerial Council . Acts of the Northern Ireland Assembly as with other subordinate legislatures are subject to judicial review. A law can be struck down if it

3648-503: The Assembly remained suspended from 2002 until 2007, the members elected at the 2003 Assembly election were called together on 15 May 2006 under the Northern Ireland Act 2006 to meet in an Assembly to be technically known as "the Assembly established under the Northern Ireland Act 2006" for the purpose of electing a First Minister and deputy First Minister and choosing the members of an Executive before 25 November 2006 as

3744-432: The Assembly remained suspended from 2002 until 2007, the members elected at the 2003 Assembly election were called together on 15 May 2006 under the Northern Ireland Act 2006 to meet in an Assembly to be technically known as "the Assembly established under the Northern Ireland Act 2006" for the purpose of electing a First Minister and deputy First Minister and choosing the members of an Executive before 25 November 2006 as

3840-417: The Assembly selects most of the ministers of the Northern Ireland Executive using the principle of power-sharing under the D'Hondt method to ensure that Northern Ireland's largest voting blocs, British unionists and Irish nationalists , both participate in governing the region. The Assembly's standing orders allow for certain contentious motions to require a cross-community vote ; in addition to requiring

3936-514: The Assembly) have frequently voted against each other due to political and/or policy differences. Alongside independents, a total of 15 parties have held seats in the Assembly since 1998: Unionist: Nationalist: Other: The course of the Assembly saw a marked shift in party allegiance among voters. At the 2003 election, the DUP and Sinn Féin displaced the more moderate UUP and SDLP as

Northern Ireland Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry - Misplaced Pages Continue

4032-410: The Assembly) have frequently voted against each other due to political and/or policy differences. Alongside independents, a total of 15 parties have held seats in the Assembly since 1998: Unionist: Nationalist: Other: The course of the Assembly saw a marked shift in party allegiance among voters. At the 2003 election, the DUP and Sinn Féin displaced the more moderate UUP and SDLP as

4128-646: The D'Hondt method and cross-community support, depending on the role, as explained above. Coalitions of between three and five parties have governed over the Assembly's history. The Executive of the Sixth Assembly was formed on 11 January 2020. Unlike the United Kingdom Parliament and the Oireachtas (Irish Parliament), the Assembly had no provision for an official opposition to hold governing parties to account until legislation

4224-446: The D'Hondt method and cross-community support, depending on the role, as explained above. Coalitions of between three and five parties have governed over the Assembly's history. The Executive of the Sixth Assembly was formed on 11 January 2020. Unlike the United Kingdom Parliament and the Oireachtas (Irish Parliament), the Assembly had no provision for an official opposition to hold governing parties to account until legislation

4320-421: The DUP resigned. Due to the power-sharing arrangements, this also caused the deputy First Minister to lose her position. Elections were held for a seventh assembly in May 2022. Sinn Féin emerged as the largest party, followed by the Democratic Unionist Party . The newly elected assembly met for the first time on 13 May 2022 and again on 30 May. However, at both these meetings, the DUP refused to assent to

4416-421: The DUP resigned. Due to the power-sharing arrangements, this also caused the deputy First Minister to lose her position. Elections were held for a seventh assembly in May 2022. Sinn Féin emerged as the largest party, followed by the Democratic Unionist Party . The newly elected assembly met for the first time on 13 May 2022 and again on 30 May. However, at both these meetings, the DUP refused to assent to

4512-781: The House of Lords passed the Historical Institutional Abuse (Northern Ireland) Bill "to establish the Historical Institutional Abuse Redress Board and confer an entitlement to compensation...", and it was passed by the House of Commons as one of its last acts before the 2019 United Kingdom general election . In the 2019 New Year's Honours list, the Secretary of the Inquiry, Andrew Browne, was made OBE for his services to victims and survivors of abuse, while Paula Dawson

4608-876: The Interim Advocate. In June 2020 Interim advocate Brendan McAllister was called to resign again after victims accused him of having a "conflict of interest", after he was ordained as a Deacon in the Catholic Church . Mr McAllister assisted in liturgy at Saint Peters Church in Warrenpoint as part of the Down and Conner Diocese, despite the HIA Inquiry having found that the Diocese of Down and Conner failed to raise concerns about serial child abuser Father Brendan Smyth , and did not inform social services or

4704-423: The Legislative Assembly (MLAs). Members are elected under the single transferable vote form of proportional representation (STV-PR). In turn, the Assembly selects most of the ministers of the Northern Ireland Executive using the principle of power-sharing under the D'Hondt method to ensure that Northern Ireland's largest voting blocs, British unionists and Irish nationalists , both participate in governing

4800-461: The Northern Ireland Act 1998: The Assembly has three primary mechanisms to ensure effective power-sharing: The Assembly has the power to call for witnesses and documents, if the relevant responsibility has been transferred to its remit. Proceedings are covered by privilege in defamation law. The Assembly's composition is laid down in the Northern Ireland Act 1998 . It initially had 108 members (MLAs) elected from 18 six-member constituencies on

4896-461: The Northern Ireland Act 1998: The Assembly has three primary mechanisms to ensure effective power-sharing: The Assembly has the power to call for witnesses and documents, if the relevant responsibility has been transferred to its remit. Proceedings are covered by privilege in defamation law. The Assembly's composition is laid down in the Northern Ireland Act 1998 . It initially had 108 members (MLAs) elected from 18 six-member constituencies on

SECTION 50

#1732783747997

4992-420: The Parliament always had an Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) majority and always elected a UUP administration . For its first two elections it used proportional representation ( Single transferable voting ) but switched to First-past-the-post voting in 1929. It was suspended by the UK Government on 30 March 1972 and formally abolished in 1973 under the Northern Ireland Constitution Act 1973 . Northern Ireland

5088-591: The Sisters of Nazareth by Sr Cornelia Walsh, Sisters of St. Louis by Sr Uainin Clarke, Good Shepherd Sisters by Sr Cait O'Leary, Barnardo's in Northern Ireland by Michele Janes, and Irish Church Missions by Rev Mark Jones. About 80 survivors were in the assembly chamber, and others were given rooms in Parliament Buildings to watch the apology. Some survivors left the chamber during the speeches. Some of

5184-568: The St Andrews Agreement, these positions were now chosen by larger parties only, while the holders of other positions were elected by sitting MLAs. Eileen Bell was appointed by the Secretary of State , Peter Hain , to be the interim speaker of the Assembly, with Francie Molloy and Jim Wells acting as deputy speakers. The Northern Ireland (St Andrews Agreement) Act 2006 repealed the Northern Ireland Act 2006 and disbanded "the Assembly". The St Andrews Agreement Act provided for

5280-496: The St Andrews Agreement, these positions were now chosen by larger parties only, while the holders of other positions were elected by sitting MLAs. Eileen Bell was appointed by the Secretary of State , Peter Hain , to be the interim speaker of the Assembly, with Francie Molloy and Jim Wells acting as deputy speakers. The Northern Ireland (St Andrews Agreement) Act 2006 repealed the Northern Ireland Act 2006 and disbanded "the Assembly". The St Andrews Agreement Act provided for

5376-689: The UK) and the Republic of Ireland. Talks eventually succeeded under a third Secretary of State Julian Smith . The sixth Assembly resumed on 11 January 2020, shortly before the UK's exit from the European Union . In February 2021, DUP MLAs threatened to bring down the Assembly and force an early election in protest at Boris Johnson 's Brexit deal , which would put a border in the Irish Sea . On 3 February 2022, First Minister Paul Givan of

5472-464: The UK) and the Republic of Ireland. Talks eventually succeeded under a third Secretary of State Julian Smith . The sixth Assembly resumed on 11 January 2020, shortly before the UK's exit from the European Union . In February 2021, DUP MLAs threatened to bring down the Assembly and force an early election in protest at Boris Johnson 's Brexit deal , which would put a border in the Irish Sea . On 3 February 2022, First Minister Paul Givan of

5568-663: The basis of universal adult suffrage and the single transferable vote . Under the Assembly Members (Reduction of Numbers) Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 the number of MLAs per constituency was reduced from 6 to 5, leaving a total of 90 seats. This took effect at the March 2017 election. The constituencies used are the same as those used for elections to the United Kingdom Parliament at Westminster. The Northern Ireland Act 1998 provides that, unless

5664-466: The basis of universal adult suffrage and the single transferable vote . Under the Assembly Members (Reduction of Numbers) Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 the number of MLAs per constituency was reduced from 6 to 5, leaving a total of 90 seats. This took effect at the March 2017 election. The constituencies used are the same as those used for elections to the United Kingdom Parliament at Westminster. The Northern Ireland Act 1998 provides that, unless

5760-408: The campaigners, for example Margaret McGuckin, from Survivors and Victims of Institutional Abuse (Savia), approved of the apology; others considered that the politicians apologies were appropriate, but the institutions had offered a cold, half-hearted apology. In live reporting after the apology, BBC News reported that Jon McCourt from Survivors North West said "If what happened today was the best that

5856-512: The church could offer by way of an apology they failed miserably. There was no emotion, there was no ownership. ... I don't believe that the church and institutions atoned today." He called on the intuitions to "do the right thing" and contribute to the redress fund for survivors, saying that institutions have done similar for people in Scotland. McCourt praised the government ministers' apologies; they had "sat and thought out and listened to what it

SECTION 60

#1732783747997

5952-520: The continued backdrop of the Troubles . In 1982, another Northern Ireland Assembly was established, initially as a body to scrutinise the actions of the Northern Ireland Civil Service and the Secretary of State , the UK Government minister with responsibility for Northern Ireland. It was not supported by Irish nationalists and was officially dissolved in 1986. The Northern Ireland (Elections) Act 1998 formally established

6048-408: The cross-community Alliance Party , as entrenching sectarian divisions. Alliance supports ending the official designation of identity requirement and the taking of important votes on the basis of an ordinary super-majority , as does the largest unionist party, the DUP . Which parties can appoint ministers to the Northern Ireland Executive is determined by a combination of mandatory coalition,

6144-408: The cross-community Alliance Party , as entrenching sectarian divisions. Alliance supports ending the official designation of identity requirement and the taking of important votes on the basis of an ordinary super-majority , as does the largest unionist party, the DUP . Which parties can appoint ministers to the Northern Ireland Executive is determined by a combination of mandatory coalition,

6240-486: The election of a speaker as part of a protest against the Northern Ireland Protocol , which meant that the assembly could not continue other business, including the appointment of a new Executive . The incumbent speaker and incumbent ministers continued in office in caretaker roles. After the deadline set by Westminster for restoring devolved government was missed, the Northern Ireland secretary

6336-408: The election of a speaker as part of a protest against the Northern Ireland Protocol , which meant that the assembly could not continue other business, including the appointment of a new Executive . The incumbent speaker and incumbent ministers continued in office in caretaker roles. After the deadline set by Westminster for restoring devolved government was missed, the Northern Ireland secretary

6432-577: The hands of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, and a budget for the ongoing 2017–18 financial year was passed by the UK Parliament. Over time, further legislation was passed for Northern Ireland at Westminster, repeatedly extending the deadline for Executive formation although no direct rule ministers were appointed during this suspension. In 2019, the UK Parliament enacted one such Bill to legalise same-sex marriage and liberalise abortion, in line with Great Britain (the rest of

6528-492: The hands of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, and a budget for the ongoing 2017–18 financial year was passed by the UK Parliament. Over time, further legislation was passed for Northern Ireland at Westminster, repeatedly extending the deadline for Executive formation although no direct rule ministers were appointed during this suspension. In 2019, the UK Parliament enacted one such Bill to legalise same-sex marriage and liberalise abortion, in line with Great Britain (the rest of

6624-485: The heart but why did they not apologise 30 years ago?" Northern Ireland Assembly Official Opposition (8) Other Opposition (3) Speaker (1) The Northern Ireland Assembly ( Irish : Tionól Thuaisceart Éireann ; Ulster Scots : Norlin Airlan Assemblie ), often referred to by the metonym Stormont , is the devolved legislature of Northern Ireland . It has power to legislate in

6720-588: The inquiry team reporting to the Executive by the start of 2016. Hearings are divided into modules: Evidence called and transcripts are available on the HIA Web site. The Inquiry examined allegations relating to the former Kincora Boys' Home from 31 May to 9 July 2016, including claims that there was a paedophile ring at the home with links to the intelligence services; Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers said that all state agencies would co-operate with

6816-505: The inquiry. On 20 January 2017 the Inquiry chairman Sir Anthony Hart, a retired Judge, announced the release of the Report. He "..outlined a series of recommendations after he revealed shocking levels of sexual, physical and emotional abuse in the period 1922 to 1995." He said that all documents considered relevant and without private information would be placed on the Web site, starting before

6912-405: The largest parties in the unionist and nationalist blocks. The parties only agreed to share power after four years of negotiations and a new election. Northern Ireland Assembly Official Opposition (8) Other Opposition (3) Speaker (1) The Northern Ireland Assembly ( Irish : Tionól Thuaisceart Éireann ; Ulster Scots : Norlin Airlan Assemblie ), often referred to by

7008-474: The largest parties of the largest and second largest Assembly 'block' (understood to mean 'Unionist', 'Nationalist' and 'Other'). The Minister of Justice is appointed by cross-community agreement. The seven other ministerial positions are distributed among willing parties roughly proportionate to their share of seats in the Assembly by the D'Hondt method , with ministers chosen by the nominating officers of each party. The Assembly has authority to legislate in

7104-474: The largest parties of the largest and second largest Assembly 'block' (understood to mean 'Unionist', 'Nationalist' and 'Other'). The Minister of Justice is appointed by cross-community agreement. The seven other ministerial positions are distributed among willing parties roughly proportionate to their share of seats in the Assembly by the D'Hondt method , with ministers chosen by the nominating officers of each party. The Assembly has authority to legislate in

7200-495: The only distinction being in the titles) within six weeks of its first meeting or of those positions becoming vacant. There have been six elections to the Assembly since 1998. The Assembly uses a consociational system. Each MLA is free to designate themselves as "Nationalist", "Unionist", or "other", as they see fit, the only requirement being that no member may change their designation more than once during an Assembly session. The system has been criticised by some, in particular

7296-495: The only distinction being in the titles) within six weeks of its first meeting or of those positions becoming vacant. There have been six elections to the Assembly since 1998. The Assembly uses a consociational system. Each MLA is free to designate themselves as "Nationalist", "Unionist", or "other", as they see fit, the only requirement being that no member may change their designation more than once during an Assembly session. The system has been criticised by some, in particular

7392-446: The police. The inquiry said that it would investigate the following Institutions, but that it might later decide to investigate others: The inquiry covers residential care, but specifically does not cover other cases of clerical abuse, or most church-run schools The Inquiry's hearings are held in the former Banbridge courthouse; the opening hearing was held on 13 January 2014, with open oral testimony to finish in June 2015, and with

7488-527: The recommendation for an apology was made, ministers from the five main political parties in Northern Ireland made statements of apology to those abused, and those sent as child migrants to Australia, in the Northern Ireland Assembly . A typical apology was "Today we, as representatives of the state, say that we are sorry ... that the state's systems failed to protect you from abuse". Representatives from six institutions that carried out abuse also apologised. De La Salle Brothers were represented by Br Francis Manning

7584-406: The region. The Assembly's standing orders allow for certain contentious motions to require a cross-community vote ; in addition to requiring the support of an overall majority of members, such votes must also be supported by a majority within both blocs in order to pass. The Assembly is one of two "mutually inter-dependent" institutions created under the 1998 Good Friday Agreement , the other being

7680-428: The report was released, but warning that it would take some time before the task was completed. He recommended compensation, an apology and a permanent memorial to be erected at Stormont. A board was set to represent all six institutions with a view to paying compensation to abuse victims; however, by April 2024, four of the six institutions had taken no action towards making payments. On 11 March 2022, five years after

7776-437: The support of an overall majority of members, such votes must also be supported by a majority within both blocs in order to pass. The Assembly is one of two "mutually inter-dependent" institutions created under the 1998 Good Friday Agreement , the other being the North/South Ministerial Council with the Republic of Ireland . The Agreement aimed to end Northern Ireland's violent 30-year Troubles . The first Assembly election

7872-574: The wake of the Renewable Heat Incentive scandal , McGuinness resigned from his post in January 2017, bringing an end to almost a decade of unbroken devolution. Sinn Féin withdrew from the Assembly, and a fresh election was held on 2 March 2017. Negotiations mediated by then Secretary of State James Brokenshire missed the three-week deadline provided in law for the formation of an Executive. The passing of an extended legal deadline of 29 June left decisions on funding allocations in

7968-498: The wake of the Renewable Heat Incentive scandal , McGuinness resigned from his post in January 2017, bringing an end to almost a decade of unbroken devolution. Sinn Féin withdrew from the Assembly, and a fresh election was held on 2 March 2017. Negotiations mediated by then Secretary of State James Brokenshire missed the three-week deadline provided in law for the formation of an Executive. The passing of an extended legal deadline of 29 June left decisions on funding allocations in

8064-666: Was brought about by legislation in the Westminster Parliament as a result of continued refusal by the DUP to form an executive. On 30 January 2024, leader of the DUP Jeffrey Donaldson announced that the DUP would restore an executive government on the condition that new legislation was passed by the UK House of Commons . A sitting of the assembly was called for 3 February 2024 at which Edwin Poots

8160-410: Was brought about by legislation in the Westminster Parliament as a result of continued refusal by the DUP to form an executive. On 30 January 2024, leader of the DUP Jeffrey Donaldson announced that the DUP would restore an executive government on the condition that new legislation was passed by the UK House of Commons . A sitting of the assembly was called for 3 February 2024 at which Edwin Poots

8256-433: Was elected as Speaker and a new executive led by Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly was formed, restoring devolved government in Northern Ireland. The Assembly has both legislative powers and responsibility for electing the Northern Ireland Executive. The First and deputy First Ministers were initially elected on a cross-community vote , although this was changed in 2006 and they are now appointed as leaders of

8352-433: Was elected as Speaker and a new executive led by Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly was formed, restoring devolved government in Northern Ireland. The Assembly has both legislative powers and responsibility for electing the Northern Ireland Executive. The First and deputy First Ministers were initially elected on a cross-community vote , although this was changed in 2006 and they are now appointed as leaders of

8448-436: Was established, initially as a body to scrutinise the actions of the Northern Ireland Civil Service and the Secretary of State , the UK Government minister with responsibility for Northern Ireland. It was not supported by Irish nationalists and was officially dissolved in 1986. The Northern Ireland (Elections) Act 1998 formally established the Assembly in law under the name New Northern Ireland Assembly , in accordance with

8544-412: Was held in June 1998.   Lowercase "d" per here . From June 1921 until March 1972, the devolved legislature for Northern Ireland was the Parliament of Northern Ireland , established by the Government of Ireland Act 1920 and meeting from 1932 at Stormont , outside Belfast. Due to gerrymandering practices, the Parliament always had an Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) majority and always elected

8640-411: Was legally required to schedule the election in the following 12 weeks. However, the secretary extended the deadline for the formation of the executive by six weeks, with an option for a further six week extension, so that any Northern Ireland Assembly election that would occur due to a failure to form an executive would happen at some point in 2023. Further extension of the deadline to 8 February 2024

8736-411: Was legally required to schedule the election in the following 12 weeks. However, the secretary extended the deadline for the formation of the executive by six weeks, with an option for a further six week extension, so that any Northern Ireland Assembly election that would occur due to a failure to form an executive would happen at some point in 2023. Further extension of the deadline to 8 February 2024

8832-545: Was made MBE for her services to public inquiries. In May 2020 Interim Advocate for Survivors of Historical Abuse Brendan McAllister office leaked the personal and private details of approximately 250 Survivors of Historical abuse in an emailing data breach error and as a result Mr McAllister faced widespread calls to resign from the two oldest and largest Survivor groups the Saint Patrick's Survivors and SAVIA alongside many other independent survivors having lost trust in

8928-453: Was passed in 2016. A party may now form or join an Assembly Opposition , granting it additional speaking, scrutiny and funding rights, if it was entitled to Ministerial roles under the D'Hondt method and declined them, or if it wins 8% or more of the seats. This opportunity was qualified for and taken by the UUP and SDLP following the 2016 election. Even within the Executive, however, the parties (which have collectively held large majorities in

9024-453: Was passed in 2016. A party may now form or join an Assembly Opposition , granting it additional speaking, scrutiny and funding rights, if it was entitled to Ministerial roles under the D'Hondt method and declined them, or if it wins 8% or more of the seats. This opportunity was qualified for and taken by the UUP and SDLP following the 2016 election. Even within the Executive, however, the parties (which have collectively held large majorities in

9120-481: Was subsequently administered by direct rule until 1999, with a brief exception in 1974. Attempts began to restore on a new basis that would see power shared between nationalists and unionists . To this end a new legislature, the Northern Ireland Assembly , was established in 1973 with a power-sharing Executive taking office in January 1974. However, this body was brought down by the Ulster Workers' Council strike in May 1974. Political discussions continued against

9216-491: Was we said.", but said that the institutions had failed to do this, leading to some victims having to leave the room while they were speaking, "compound[ing] the hurt." Others angry at the institutions' apologies included Caroline Farry, who attended St Joseph's Training School in Middletown from 1978-1981, overseen by nuns from the Sisters of St Louis, Pádraigín Drinan from Survivors of Abuse, and Alice Harper, whose brother,

#996003