Seanad debates
Thursday, 28 November 2002
British-Irish Agreement (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Second Stage.
We all hope that new elections will be held next May. What happens if a new Assembly is constituted but the Executive is not? In the scenario where such an Assembly comprised Sinn Féin as the largest Nationalist party and the DUP as the largest Unionist party, what would be the status of the bodies established under the council? Section 7(4)(b) provides that the day the Taoiseach may nullify the legislation "shall be the earliest practicable day after the termination of the Agreement in accordance with its terms on the restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly.". While the Assembly might meet there may be no agreement on the formation of the Executive. In view of this, is it not logical that for the legislation to be nullified the Executive must be reconstituted? Why is reference only made to the restoration of the Assembly? What would be the status of the legislation where the Assembly has met but may still be in suspension and there is no agreement on the Executive?
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