AQW 37596/22-27 Written question to the First Minister and deputy First Minister

To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether all Bills and subordinate legislation are now accompanied by documentation assessing compliance with Windsor Framework Article 2.

Asked by Paula Bradshaw MLA on 6 January 2026

  • Answered
  • Written
  • After due date
Tabled
6 January 2026
Answer due by
21 January 2026
Answered
23 February 202648 days after tabling
Department
The Executive Office
Priority question
No

Answer

It will be implicit in the Statement of Legislative Competence signed by a Minister before the introduction of a Bill to the Assembly, that the Bill is compatible with Article 2(1) of the Windsor Framework.

The enhanced scrutiny procedures for subordinate legislation introduced on 5th January by the Chairpersons’ Liaison Group include an updated SL1 template to accompany all subordinate legislation. This requires Departments to set out the assessment carried out to ensure compliance with section 24 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, which includes compatibility with Article 2(1) of the Windsor Framework.

Official sources