What is required for a petition of concern to be raised in the Northern Ireland Assembly?

For a petition of concern to be raised in the Northern Ireland Assembly, it is essential that at least 30 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) sign it. This mechanism is designed to allow a significant minority to raise concerns about any proposed legislation that they believe would adversely affect a specific community or group within Northern Ireland.

The requirement for a minimum of 30 signatures ensures that the petition reflects a serious level of concern and support among the MLAs, rather than being initiated by just a few individuals. It serves as a safeguard for minority interests, particularly in the context of Northern Ireland’s power-sharing arrangement and the sensitive political landscape. Thus, this threshold acts as both a check on the legislative process and a platform for dialogue among the differing communities represented in the Assembly.