ECNI functions in relation to EU withdrawal agreement

1 The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland must monitor the implementation of Article 2(1) of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland in the EU withdrawal agreement. 2 The Commission must report to the Secretary of State and the Executive Office in Northern Ireland on the implementation of Article 2(1)— a as soon as reasonably practicable after receipt of a general or specific request for such a report, and b on such other occasions as the Commission thinks appropriate. 3 A report under subsection (2) may require the Secretary of State or the Executive Office in Northern Ireland to reply in writing to any recommendations contained in the report, explaining what steps have been taken or are planned in response to the recommendations. 4 On receiving a report under subsection (2)— a the Secretary of State must lay a copy of it before Parliament, and b the Executive Office in Northern Ireland must lay a copy of it before the Assembly. 5 The Commission must advise the Secretary of State and the Executive Committee of the Assembly of legislative and other measures which ought to be taken to implement Article 2(1)— a as soon as reasonably practicable after receipt of a general or specific request for advice, and b on such other occasions as the Commission thinks appropriate. 6 The Commission must advise the Assembly (or a Committee of the Assembly) whether a Bill is compatible with Article 2(1)— a as soon as reasonably practicable after receipt of a request for advice, and b on such other occasions as the Commission thinks appropriate. 7 The Commission must promote understanding and awareness of the importance of Article 2(1); and for this purpose it may undertake, commission or provide financial or other assistance for— a research, and b educational activities. 8 The Commission may decide to publish its advice and the outcome of its research. 9 The Commission may, for the purposes of Article 14(c) of the Protocol, bring any appropriate matters to the attention of the Specialised Committee referred to in that Article.