Northern Ireland (St Andrews Agreement) Act 2006 facts for kids
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| Long title | An Act to make provision for preparations for the restoration of devolved government in Northern Ireland in accordance with the St Andrews Agreement; to make provision as to the consequences of compliance, or non-compliance, with the St Andrews Agreement timetable; to amend the Northern Ireland Act 1998; to make provision about district policing partnerships; to amend the Education (Northern Ireland) Orders 1997 and 2006; and for connected purposes. |
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| Citation | 2006 c 53 |
| Territorial extent | England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, except for sections 20 and 21 and Schedules 8 and 9, which extend only to Northern Ireland. |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 22 November 2006 |
| History of passage through Parliament | |
| Text of statute as originally enacted | |
| Revised text of statute as amended | |
The Northern Ireland (St Andrews Agreement) Act 2006 is an important law passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom. This Act helped to put into action the St Andrews Agreement. This agreement was a plan to bring back the local government in Northern Ireland.
The law changed parts of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. This older law set up how Northern Ireland is governed. The 2006 Act made sure that the government could start working again after a period of suspension.
Contents
Changes to Northern Ireland's Government
This Act made several key changes to how Northern Ireland is run. These changes aimed to make the government stronger and more stable.
The Executive Committee and Ministers
The Act made changes to the Executive Committee. This committee is like a cabinet of ministers who lead government departments. The law also updated the rules for how ministers should act. These rules are called the Ministerial Code.
The Act also changed how the First Minister and deputy First Minister are chosen. It also updated rules for other Northern Ireland ministers. These leaders are very important for running the government.
Working Together: Councils and Committees
The law improved how different groups work together. It updated how the North-South Ministerial Council operates. This council helps Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland work on shared issues.
It also changed the British-Irish Council. This council brings together governments from the UK, Ireland, and the Channel Islands. These changes helped them work better as a team.
The Act also set up a committee to check how the Assembly and Executive Committee were working. This helps to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Focusing on Community Needs
The Act included new rules for the government to create plans for important issues.
Supporting Languages
One part of the law asked the government to create plans for the Irish language and the Ulster Scots language. This helps to support and protect these important parts of Northern Ireland's culture.
Tackling Poverty
Another section of the Act required the government to develop a plan to fight poverty. It also aimed to reduce social exclusion. This means helping people who might feel left out of society.
Other Important Changes
The Act also made other changes to laws in Northern Ireland.
Local Policing Partnerships
The law made changes to how District policing partnerships work. These partnerships help local communities have a say in policing matters. This section of the Act was later replaced by a newer law in 2011.
Education Laws
The Act also updated some laws about education in Northern Ireland. It changed parts of the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1997. These changes helped to improve how schools and education are managed.
When the Law Started
The Act became law on 22 November 2006. However, different parts of the Act started at different times. Special orders were made to decide when each section would begin.
- The Northern Ireland (St Andrews Agreement) Act 2006 (Commencement No.1) Order 2007 started some parts of the law.
- The Northern Ireland (St Andrews Agreement) Act 2006 (Commencement No.2) Order 2007 started other parts.
See also
- Northern Ireland Act
