Assembly Committees to Engage with the Public at Balmoral Show

The Speaker, Assembly Members and Assembly Committees will take part in a series of public engagement activities at the Balmoral Show next week, providing visitors with opportunities to learn more about the work of the Assembly.

Visitors to the Assembly stand B44 will be able to learn more about the work of the scrutiny committees, share their views on key policy issues and access practical information and support.

Speaking ahead of the Show, Northern Ireland Assembly Speaker Edwin Poots MLA said: “The work of the Assembly and its committees is strengthened when it hears different views and perspectives.

“Engagement events like those taking place at the Balmoral Show provide an important opportunity for people to learn more about the Assembly’s work, to share their views on key issues, and to see first‑hand how their contributions can help shape key issues and the scrutiny of legislation.

“The Balmoral Show is one of the biggest events in the Northern Ireland calendar and it was a tremendous opportunity last year to engage with many thousands of people.  As a result, an increased number of committee engagement sessions are planned for the show this year and I look forward to hosting a number of events myself”.

On Wednesday and Thursday, Assembly committees which cover a wide range of policy areas will be present to speak directly with members of the public, seek feedback through short surveys, and raise awareness of ongoing legislation and committee remits.

During the Show, visitors to the marquee can explore interactive features such as the new “Committee Corner”, the “Get to Know Your MLAs” stand, and video tours of Parliament Buildings.

The popular ‘Suggest-a-law tree’ feature from last year will return as well as the dedicated children’s activity area, so there is something for all ages to enjoy and learn.

Northern Ireland Assembly Speaker Edwin Poots MLA launching the Assembly’s engagement events at the 2026 Balmoral Show

Wednesday 13 May

Economy Committee (10.30am – 12.00pm)

*The Economy Committee will engage with visitors to gather views on the Petroleum Exploration Licensing (Repeal) Bill, inviting members of the public to share their perspectives through an opinion poll.

Health Committee (12.30pm – 2.00pm)

**The Health Committee will be joined by the My Care and Farm Families teams to promote the Farm Families Health Check, available throughout all four days of the Show.

Visitors will be encouraged to avail of free health checks, including blood pressure, diabetes, and heart health assessments, alongside health and lifestyle advice.

The Committee will also encourage people to sign up to the My Care app on the day. Attendees are advised to bring their healthcare number and a form of photographic identification if they wish to register.

Finance Committee (2.30pm – 4.00pm)

***The Finance Committee will engage with the public through a short survey on the Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill, offering visitors an opportunity to share their views on the proposed legislation.

Windsor Framework Committee (4.30pm – 6.00pm)

The Windsor Framework Committee will focus on raising awareness of its remit and role, and will encourage discussion with members of the public on issues within its scope.

Thursday 14 May

Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) Committee (11.00am – 12.00pm)

****The AERA Committee will carry out a public survey on Anaerobic Digesters, seeking views on this topic and its relevance to agriculture, the environment, and rural communities.

The Committee will also hold its formal meeting at Balmoral from 10.00am to 11.00am. The agenda includes a briefing from the Centre for Advanced Sustainable Energy (CASE), who advise national, regional and local government and their agencies on renewable energy and a circular and sustainable economy.

The meeting will be followed by an informal joint session with the House of Commons’ Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee from 12.00pm to 12.45pm. This session will not be open to the public. 

Public Accounts Committee (PAC) (1.30pm – 3.00pm)

*****The Public Accounts Committee will raise awareness of its remit and past work and will invite discussion with attendees about accountability and public spending.

Assembly Committees look forward to engaging with Balmoral Show visitors and encourage members of the public to take part in the discussions and share their views.

ENDS

Robbie Best

Deputy Communications and Digital Content Officer

Email: Robbie.Best@niassembly.gov.uk  

Notes to Editors

For media enquiries please contact the NI Assembly Communications Office: communications@niassembly.gov.uk

• The Assembly’s stand is located in Section B (B44-45) at the Show, close to the cattle rings and adjacent to ‘Balmoral Way’.
• The Assembly marquee will be officially opened by the Speaker, Edwin Poots MLA on Wednesday 14 May at 9.30am. 

Wednesday 13 May

*Session 1 – Economy Committee

Time: 10.30am – 12.00pm
Theme: Petroleum Exploration Licensing (Repeal) Bill

The Economy Committee is directly seeking public opinion on proposed legislation that would repeal petroleum exploration licensing in Northern Ireland.

Why it matters:

• The Bill raises significant issues around energy policy, environmental protection and future economic development.
• Public views will help inform Committee scrutiny of upcoming legislation.

What the Committee is doing:

• Engaging face‑to‑face with the public.
• Gathering views through an opinion poll.
• Explaining the purpose and objectives of the Bill in plain language.

Public call to action:

• Share views on the Petroleum Exploration Licensing (Repeal) Bill.
• Speak directly with Committee members about energy and environmental concerns.

**Session 2 – Health Committee

Time: 12.30pm – 2.00pm
Theme: Farm Families Health & My Care App

The Health Committee is encouraging farm families and rural communities to prioritise preventative healthcare and make use of digital health services.

Why it matters:

• Farm families often face barriers to accessing routine health checks.
• Early intervention can identify serious conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease.
• The My Care app supports easier access to health services and records.

What the Committee is doing:

• Promoting the Farm Families Health Check available throughout the show at Stand C7.
• Raising awareness of general health, wellbeing and lifestyle advice.
• Encouraging on‑the‑spot sign‑up to the My Care app.

Public call to action:

• Get a free health check at Stand C7.
• Sign up to the My Care app (bring healthcare number and photo ID).

***Session 3 – Finance Committee

Time: 2.30pm – 4.00pm
Theme: Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill

The Finance Committee is inviting public views on legislation relating to marriage and civil partnership.

Why it matters:

• The Bill affects legal recognition, rights and responsibilities for individuals and families.
• Public input helps ensure legislation reflects lived experience.

What the Committee is doing:

• Engaging directly with the public.
• Collecting views via a short survey.
• Explaining the aims and potential impact of the Bill.

Public call to action:

• Have a say on how marriage and civil partnerships are reflected in legislation.

Session 4 – Windsor Framework Committee

Time: 4.30pm – 6.00pm
Theme: Committee role and remit

The Windsor Framework Committee is raising awareness of its role and work, and encouraging informed public discussion.

Why it matters:

• The Windsor Framework continues to affect trade, regulation and daily life in Northern Ireland.
• Public understanding of the Committee’s scrutiny role is essential.

What the Committee is doing:

• Speaking with the public about what the Committee does.
• Explaining its remit in clear, accessible terms.
• Encouraging conversation and questions.

Public call to action:

• Learn more about how the Assembly scrutinises the Windsor Framework.
• Engage in open discussion with Committee members.

Thursday 14 May

****Session 5 – Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) Committee

Time: 11.00am – 12.00pm
Theme: Anaerobic Digesters

The AERA Committee is gathering public views on Anaerobic Digesters and their role in agriculture and environmental sustainability.

Why it matters:

• Anaerobic digestion is increasingly relevant to waste management, renewable energy and farming practices.
• Views from rural communities are essential to effective policy scrutiny.

What the Committee is doing:

• Engaging directly with the public via a survey.
• Discussing the benefits and concerns associated with anaerobic digestion.
• Holding Committee business at Balmoral, including collaboration with EFRA.

Public call to action:

• Share opinions on renewable energy and sustainable farming solutions.

*****Session 6 – Public Accounts Committee (PAC)

Time: 1.30pm – 3.00pm
Theme: Accountability and past work

The Public Accounts Committee is highlighting its role in holding public bodies to account and ensuring value for money.

Why it matters:

• PAC scrutiny helps protect public funds and improve public services.
• Raising awareness builds public trust and understanding of accountability processes.

What the Committee is doing:

• Explaining its remit and how it operates.
• Highlighting examples of past work and impact.
• Encouraging discussion about public spending and oversight.

Public call to action:

• Learn how public money is scrutinised.
• Engage in discussion about accountability and transparency.

Youth Assembly

Time: 1pm
Theme: Questions to the Speaker

Members of the Youth Assembly will be asking Assembly Speaker Edwin Poots MLA about his role as Speaker and a range of other questions including – what was the most surprising thing ever to happen in the Chamber, what inspired him to go into politics – and many more!

Why it matters: The Youth Assembly Members’ attendance at the Balmoral Show helps raise their profile as contributors to the democratic process in Northern Ireland.

What they’re doing: The Youth Assembly members will be at Stand 44 in Section B to meet anyone interested in their work, and will be presenting their questions to the Speaker at 1pm.

Public call to action: Meet the Youth Assembly Members and listen in on their Q and A with the Assembly Speaker.