Queen's University Belfast

This Practice Note provides an overview of the Northern Ireland Assembly, how members are elected, the key players in the Assembly (and, in particular, the role and powers of the Assembly’s executive branch), and how the Assembly makes laws.

This Practice Note explains some of the special features of devolution and decision making under the Northern Ireland Act 1998, including power-sharing and cross community support, which are a specific response to the past conflict in Northern Ireland. It also describes some differences in the role of the Secretary of State in the Northern Ireland devolution scheme (as compared to the devolution settlement in Scotland and Wales).

This Flowchart shows the steps taken for a Bill to progress to an Act in the Northern Ireland Assembly, including referral to the Secretary of State and challenge by law officers.