Engagement Newsletter
February 2025
Welcome to the February edition of the Assembly Engagement Newsletter. We hope that you find the content helpful and informative. If you have any feedback or comments, please email the Engagement Team at engagement@niassembly.gov.uk.
Monday 3 February marked one year since the Assembly resumed normal business. At the beginning of plenary, the Speaker made some opening remarks in reference to the anniversary. You can read his remarks in the Official Report of proceedings here:
Since the beginning of 2025, eight plenary sessions have been held in the Assembly Chamber and 2505 questions have been asked by MLAs. You can search the range of topics and issues covered, as well as the responses:
Legislation
The Justice Bill and the Agriculture Bill are currently at Committee Stage. This is where the relevant Statutory Committee considers the Bill in detail, takes evidence (from experts, stakeholders and the general public), and produces a report, which may propose amendments.
Bills can also be introduced by an individual Member. These are called Members' Bill proposals. Members' Bills offer individual MLAs the chance to introduce legislation independently from Executive departments and follow the same scrutiny process as Executive Bills. A number of these are currently seeking public consultation.
Get involved and have your say on issues that matter to you.
Consultations
The Assembly Commission are seeking views on their draft Disability Action Plan 2025-2030 and their draft Good Relations Plan 2025-2030.
- Find out more about the draft Disability Action Plan.
- Find out more about the draft Good Relations Plan.
Your views will help shape the Northern Ireland Assembly Commission's Disability Action Plan and Good Relations Plan 2025-2030.
To take part in either or both consultations please follow the link below to our CitizenSpace page.
The survey closes on 17 February 2025.
Agriculture Bill
The Agriculture Bill plans to make provision for the modification of assimilated direct legislation in relation to, aid in the fruit and vegetables sector; information and promotion schemes for agricultural products; and for connected purposes.
As part of the Assembly’s normal legislative processes, the Agriculture Bill has been referred to the Assembly’s Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) for scrutiny and evaluation.
The Committee is seeking views from stakeholders on the objectives, proposals and potential consequences of the Bill.
Your views will help to inform the AERA Committee’s consideration of the Bill and any recommendations it may suggest as it moves to the next stage of the legislative process.
The survey closes on 14 February 2025.
Assembly Explained Workshops
The start of 2025 was a busy time for staff in the Engagement Team, who continue to deliver workshops both in Parliament Buildings and in venues across Northern Ireland. The Team was delighted to connect with a range of community and voluntary groups, including Storehouse Food Bank, NICVA's Faith Engagement Programme, Warm Spaces in Dungiven and Southcity Resource Centre in South Belfast.
The workshops last around two hours and give a short overview on what the Assembly is, how it works, and how to have your voice heard. The workshops also include an interactive demo of the NI Assembly website.
The sessions are suitable for everyone and are tailored to each group.
No prior knowledge of the Assembly is required.
The workshops can be delivered in Parliament Buildings, online, or as an outreach session in your community.
To book, or to find out more, please click the link below.
Get in Touch
To find out more about the work of the NI Assembly Engagement Team please email engagement@niassembly.gov.uk
