Archive Website of the UK government

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.

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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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The nidirect website

The nidirect website brings together lots of government services and information for Northern Ireland citizens. Find information in the following categories:

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• Leisure, home and community Opens new window

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• Education and learning Opens new window

• Travel and transport Opens new window

• Health and well-being Opens new window

• Environment and greener living Opens new window

• Government, citizens and rights Opens new window

• Crime, justice and the law Opens new window

• Young people Opens new window

• Caring for someone Opens new window

• People with disabilities Opens new window

• Pensions and retirement planning Opens new window

• Parents Opens new window

• Do it online Opens new window