The New Decade, New Approach agreement provided the basis for restoration of the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland following a three-year period without an Executive or functioning Assembly.
The New Decade, New Approach agreement includes measures and consequent funding commitments that are intended to transform public services in Northern Ireland. It also includes initiatives to improve the scrutiny and transparency of the Northern Ireland Executive, as well as changes to improve the sustainability of the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland.
As part of the New Decade, New Approach Agreement, the UK Government has made financial commitments to support government in Northern Ireland. Those measures include funding to help the Executive transform public service provision and support the health service in Northern Ireland. The UK Government has committed to providing funding of £2 billion, £1 billion of which it has described as “Barnett-based investment”.
Terms of reference
The Committee would welcome the submission of written evidence that addresses:
- whether the UK Government’s commitment of £2 billion is sufficient to transform public service provision in Northern Ireland;
- what evidence and calculations underpin the £2 billion commitment;
- how UK Government funding should be allocated to Northern Ireland and whether it should be linked to the functioning of devolved institutions in Northern Ireland;
- the potential merits and/or demerits of establishing an Independent Fiscal Council in Northern Ireland to assess the Executive’s use of public money;
- the potential effect of the New Decade, New Approach agreement on the future sustainability of devolved institutions in Northern Ireland; and
- whether the deal excludes other measures that might improve good governance in Northern Ireland.