New Leaders in Legal Excellence Discussion Series

Stormont Stalemate: politicians, civil servants or the courts – who decides?

26 November, 4.30pm-6.30pm

Inn of Court, Royal Courts of Justice

Westminster recently oversaw the passage of the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation and Exercise of Functions) Act 2018 which aims to enable civil servants to take certain decisions in the absence of Northern Ireland Ministers. The Bill, read alongside guidance produced by the Northern Ireland Office, will allow for Departments to be able to “take decisions and exercise functions in order to uphold good governance and protect the public interest”.

The legislation raises a whole multitude of questions - does it clarify that civil servants are now the decision makers? Can they take any decision they deem in the public interest? If so, what are the policy priorities for the justice sector? Or could the SoS’s solution cause more problems than it solves in the longer term? What are the constitutional implications of these governance changes? And could the courts be drawn into the decision making arena on policy matters in Northern Ireland yet again?

To discuss these and other issues, join the Bar of Northern Ireland and our Chair Sarah Ramsey BL, as part of our new Leaders in Legal Excellence Series, alongside representatives of the legal and justice sector. Our panel will include:

Peter May, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Justice

John Larkin QC, Attorney General for Northern Ireland

Paul Frew MLA, DUP Justice Spokesperson

Raymond McCartney MLA, Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson

Karen Quinlivan QC

Spaces for this free event on Eventbrite are now sold out. Email media@barlibrary.com to be added to our waiting list.

Read The Bar of Northern Ireland: Leaders in Legal Excellence or download a copy

Keep an eye out for future events too!