Engagement Newsletter
July 2025
Welcome to the July edition of the Assembly Engagement Newsletter. Although the Northern Ireland Assembly is in recess until 31 August, there is still lots going on for you to get involved in. In this edition, we have details on our Family Fun Days and direct you to how you can find out about, and participate in, important consultations and surveys.
Members' Bills
Most of the primary legislation that passes through the Assembly is brought by Executive Ministers. These are known as Executive Bills. Bills can also be introduced by individual MLAs/Members, an Assembly Committee, or the Assembly Commission. These are known as Members' Bills or Non-Executive Bills.
Members' Bills offer individual MLAs the chance to introduce legislation independently from Executive departments and follow the same scrutiny process as Executive Bills.
There are four Members’ Bills currently seeking public consultation. Get involved and have your say on issues that matter to you.
Call for Evidence
As part of their regular scrutiny duties, Committees may ask stakeholders and members of the public for their views on a particular subject or piece of legislation.
This is a chance for you to have your say and help Committees with their work.
There are a range of current calls for evidence, including the following:
- The Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs would like to hear your views on the Dilapidation Bill (deadline for responses 10 October 2025)
- The Committee for Health would like to hear your views on the Adult Protection Bill (deadline for responses is Friday 26 September 2025)
- Assembly and Executive Review Committee would like to hear your views on Assembly Committee engagement on cross-cutting Executive strategies (deadline for responses is Tuesday 30 September 2025)
- Assembly and Executive Review Committee would like to hear your views on the development of a formal process and guidance on the handling of Westminster Statutory Instruments (deadline for responses is Tuesday 30 September 2025)
Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses in Morthern Ireland
The Northern Ireland Assembly’s Committee for the Executive Office has begun its work on scrutinising the Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill. The Bill will see the establishment of a formal Inquiry into Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses in Northern Ireland between 1922 and 1995. It will also set up a Redress Scheme for the victims and survivors of these institutions.
Hearing from those who will be directly affected by the Bill and the schemes it creates is key to the Committee’s work. The Committee wants to hear from as many people as possible. You can have your say using the online survey: Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill - Page 1 of 51 - Northern Ireland Assembly - Citizen Space
The Committee will also hold a number of Familiarisation Sessions to help stakeholders understand the legislative process of the bill, and in particular the Committee Stage. These sessions will take place:
- Tuesday 9 September in Wave Trauma Centre
- Thursday 11 September online/virtual.
If you would like to attend, or for more information, please email cteotrconsultation@niassembly.gov.uk
Stay updated by visiting the Committee’s webpage or following them on X (formerly Twitter) for the latest information and ways to get involved.
For more information on how laws are made, click here.
Family Friendly Activity Day
Looking for something fun to do over the summer?
Our next family-friendly tour and activity day is taking place on Wednesday 6 August in Parliament Buildings. The tours have been designed with families and children in mind, and include: the ornate Great Hall; the Assembly Chamber, where MLAs meet to debate and make laws; and the historic Senate Chamber. Afterwards you can take part in some free craft activities in our Long Gallery, with views over the Stormont Estate.
Tours start at 10am and run throughout the day. Book your slot here: Public Tour of Parliament Buildings, Stormont Estate, Belfast Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite
Disabled People's Parliament
The Assembly represents and makes laws for everyone who lives here, and it’s important that everyone has an opportunity to have their say on issues that matter to them. One of the ways we do this is through the Outreach Parliaments, which provide a platform for relevant sectors to engage directly with decision-makers and raise issues of concern.
The next Disabled People’s Parliament will take place on Friday 21 November 2025 in the Assembly Chamber in Parliament Buildings. It will be an opportunity for people with disabilities to have their say on issues and decisions that affect their lives.
To determine the issues that will be discussed during the Parliament, we want to hear from as many people with disabilities as possible, as well as those who support and advocate for people with disabilities.
Have your say by completing this survey and tell us what issues and topics are important to you: Disabled People's Parliament - Northern Ireland Assembly - Citizen Space
The closing date for the survey is Monday 4 August 2025.
Assembly Explained Workshops
The Participation and Outreach Team is continuing to deliver workshops to community and voluntary groups, both in Parliament Buildings and in venues across Northern Ireland.
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 Participation & Outreach Team please email engagement@niassembly.gov.uk
