Criticism over planned legislation

The government is facing criticism after detailing its plan to introduce 22 bills originally promised for Northern Ireland under devolution.

Northern Ireland Secretary Paul Murphy said the bills, which were being considered by the assembly before suspension, would be processed by Westminster in a time frame as close as possible to that originally planned.

Northern Ireland's political institutions were suspended on 14 October following the row over allegations of IRA activity including spying in the Northern Ireland Office.

Mr Murphy said he regretted that the government would have to take forward work initiated under devolution.

It remains extremely worrying that local politicians will be unable to monitor and scrutinise the progress of Bills through the committee system

John dallat
SDLP

"I freely acknowledge that the Order in Council process at Westminster is not as satisfactory as scrutiny of legislation in the assembly," he said.

"It is, however, a regrettable necessity and highlights once again the importance of restoring the devolved institutions."

'Totally unacceptable'

The Democratic Unionist Party criticised the secretary of state for what they described as "blindly following" the legislative programme put forward by the power-sharing executive before suspension.

East Belfast assembly member Sammy Wilson said it showed Mr Murphy was "out of touch" and was "tantamount to an act of legislative vandalism".

DUP's Sammy Wilson: "Mr Murphy is out of touch"

"I am particularly incensed by his announcement that he will attempt to push through the House of Commons a proposed bill that was actually withdrawn twice from the floor of the assembly simply because it was totally unacceptable, namely this Strategic Investment and Regeneration of Sites Bill," he said.

His party colleague Nigel Dodds said the announcement was "further evidence of the demise of the Belfast Agreement".

The SDLP urged the government not to dilute or change any of the bills drawn up by the assembly.

The party's John Dallat said this would meet with fierce opposition.

"It remains extremely worrying that local politicians will be unable to monitor and scrutinise the progress of Bills through the committee system," he said.

"Orders in Council are no substitute for democracy and I am pleased Mr Murphy has acknowledged that this process is unsatisfactory."

'Children's issues'

Sinn Fein said it was concerned the move would prevent proper scrutiny of the measures being introduced.

Conor Murphy, the party's leader in the assembly, said if legislation proceeded by Orders in Council it meant "there would be no effective scrutiny for the people on whose lives legislation will impact".

Sinn Fein's Conor Murphy: "Monitor legislation"

He said his party wished to meet the ministers responsible for each separate bill in order to monitor the process.

Ulster Unionist assembly member Esmond Birnie said he welcomed the priority given to children's issues.

However, he urged that amendments to proposed legislation made by assembly members be considered.

"Former members of the assembly's Committee of the Centre had tabled a number of amendments to the proposed legislation and I hope these are taken into consideration before the Bill is passed," he said.

"In general, though, it is good news that the government is carrying forward 22 assembly bills delayed by the suspension."