Dickson – OFMDFM must use Assembly’s extra year to pass major legislation

Alliance Chief Whip Stewart Dickson MLA has said that the First and deputy First Minister must use the decision to extend the term of the Assembly by one year to pass a Climate Change Bill for Northern Ireland, a Single Equality Bill and legislation to provide for Welfare and Local Government Reform.

He also stressed the importance of the OFMdFM publishing effective strategies on Sexual Orientation and Racial Equality.

It was announced in the Queen’s Speech that legislation will be passed to increase the length of an Assembly term from four years to five years.

Stewart Dickson MLA said: “The Assembly has a real chance to use this extra year to pass major legislation and publish important strategies. However, we can only do so if the First and deputy First Minister can find agreement on these issues, some of which have been blocked for several years.

“Many of the proposed measures could reform our society for the better. The Assembly needs to step up to the mark and deliver the change that is needed.”

ENDS