AQW 37596/22-27

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 06/01/2026
Answered On Date: 23/02/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether all Bills and subordinate legislation are now accompanied by documentation assessing compliance with Windsor Framework Article 2.

Answer:

It will be implicit in the Statement of Legislative Competence signed by a Minister before the introduction of a Bill to the Assembly, that the Bill is compatible with Article 2(1) of the Windsor Framework.

The enhanced scrutiny procedures for subordinate legislation introduced on 5th January by the Chairpersons’ Liaison Group include an updated SL1 template to accompany all subordinate legislation. This requires Departments to set out the assessment carried out to ensure compliance with section 24 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, which includes compatibility with Article 2(1) of the Windsor Framework.