§ 25. Mr. Peter Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will review the first year of the Northern Ireland assembly and assess its contribution to the political life of Northern Ireland.
Mr. PriorSince it first met on 11 November 1982, the assembly, in its plenary sessions and through its committees, has played an important role in scrutinising Departmental activities and considering proposals for legislation. Its reports, 18 of which have been laid before Parliament, have provided the opportunity to widen public debate, on an informed and structured basis, on important social and economic issues.