What is a devolution matter?
A devolution matter is any matter for which the Northern Ireland Executive has responsibility and about which it may pass legislation. These powers were devolved to the Northern Ireland Assembly by the UK Parliament in the Northern Ireland Act 1998. Where the UK Parliament intends to make changes to the legislative competence of the Assembly (the things on which it may legislate), the executive functions of any Northern Ireland Minister, or the functions of a Northern Ireland Department, the Assembly’s legislative consent is required.
Devolved matters include:
- Health and Social Services
- Education
- Employment and skills
- Social security
- Pensions and child support
- Housing
- Economic development
- Local government
- Environment issues, including planning
- Transport
- Culture and Sport
- The Northern Ireland Civil Service
- Equal Opportunities
- Justice and policing
- Agriculture
