Power to refer Ministerial decision to Executive Committee

1 This section applies if 30 members petition the Assembly expressing concern that a decision taken by a Minister or junior Minister (“the Ministerial decision”)— a may have been taken in contravention of section 28A(1); or b relates to a matter of public importance. 2 But this section does not apply if the Ministerial decision has previously been the subject of a reference under this section. 3 If the Presiding Officer, after consulting the political parties whose members hold seats in the Assembly, certifies that the Ministerial decision relates to a matter of public importance, he shall refer the decision to the Executive Committee for its consideration. 4 Having considered the reference, the Executive Committee shall notify the Presiding Officer— a whether or not the decision was, in its view, taken in contravention of section 28A(1); b whether or not the decision relates, in its view, to a significant or controversial matter; and c as to any action that the Executive Committee proposes to take, or has taken, in relation to the decision. 5 No reference may be made under this section after the end of the period of seven days beginning with— a the day on which the Ministerial decision was taken; or b if appropriate, the day on which the decision was notified to the Assembly. 6 Any consideration by the Executive Committee of a Ministerial decision under this section must be completed before the end of the period of seven days beginning with the day on which the reference is made. 7 Standing orders shall make provision with respect to the procedure to be followed— a in petitioning the Assembly under subsection (1); and b in making a reference under this section. 8 The periods mentioned in subsections (5) and (6) shall be computed by reference only to days on which the Assembly sits.