Official Report: Minutes of Evidence

The Chairperson (Mr Nesbitt): Members, I refer you to an additional agenda item relating to the restructuring of Departments. The Departments Bill received Royal Assent on 29 February. It is known as the Departments Act (Northern Ireland) 2016, and, at page 26 of your tabled pack, you will see a commencement order in relation to the Act. Schedule 1, on the Northern Ireland Departments, and schedule 2, on repeals, will come into operation on 8 May of this year. That is to note.

Following the commencement order members will find a ministerial determination at page 25 of your tabled pack. It reflects the ministerial positions following the restructuring of the Northern Ireland Departments, and it will form the basis for filling ministerial offices in the next Assembly mandate. The determination is subject to approval by resolution of the Assembly, to be passed with cross-community support. Again, that is just for noting, but I will pause if there are any comments from members. There are none, so we will move on.