How do House of Commons Committees work?
The House of Commons examines the work of every UK Government Department. Their policies, their spending, their ways of working – each aspect is scrutinised by MPs.
MPs do this as members of Committees. Committees are appointed to examine a particular Department. The Transport Committee examines the Department for Transport, the Work and Pensions Committee examines the Department for Work and Pensions, and so on.
Each Committee is made up of MPs from different political parties. They're chaired by a single MP who is elected to the post.
In the case of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, its 13 MPs who scrutinise the Northern Ireland Office. This is the Government Department responsible for representing Northern Ireland within the UK Government, and ensuring the smooth working of the Northern Ireland devolution settlement. The Committee is chaired by Dr Andrew Murrison, Member of Parliament for South West Wiltshire.
In practice, the Committee investigates the policy of various Departments where there is a particular interest for Northern Ireland. Over the last year this has included looking at:
-The land border between Ireland and Northern Ireland
-Agriculture and fisheries post-Brexit
-The electricity sector in Northern Ireland
-Devolution and democracy in Northern Ireland – dealing with the deficit
The Committee is made up of MPs who have taken their seat at the House of Commons, and broadly reflects the make-up of the House of Commons as a whole, but with additional Members from Northern Ireland: 3 DUP MPs and Independent MP Lady Hermon.
Why the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee is different
Much of Northern Ireland policy is devolved. This means it isn't the responsibility of the UK Government, and it therefore isn’t the job of the House of Commons to examine it.
The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee therefore doesn't have a formal role in looking at devolved areas of policy. This includes areas such as health, education and housing.
What is the Committee doing while there is no
Northern Ireland executive?
The Northern Ireland Government has been collapsed for over a year, since January 2017.
In the absence of a Northern Ireland Executive and Northern Ireland Assembly, the Committee has looked at how to restore the devolved bodies of Northern Ireland, and investigated what role the UK Government should play in the absence of a Northern Ireland Executive. This has included hearing from the main Northern Ireland political parties, the Northern Ireland Civil Service, and speaking directly to local communities.
The Committee has concluded that the UK Government will need to take a more active role on devolved matters, and is exploring how its own role may change in light of the current situation.
How can you get involved with our inquiries?
The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee is currently holding a range of inquiries into different areas. This includes:
- Agriculture
- Implementation of the Stormont House Agreement
- Fisheries
We're looking for people to contribute their expertise and views. You can do this by:
Sending a written submission to one of our inquiries
Contributing to an online forum
Coming to an event to speak directly with MPs on the Committee
To keep track of our inquiries, follow us on Twitter
Or bookmark our inquiries page.
