Which of the following best describes a duty of local government in Northern Ireland?

Local government in Northern Ireland plays a crucial role in providing services that directly impact the daily lives of residents. One of its primary duties is to deliver essential local services such as education, health care, waste management, housing, and community development, ensuring that communities function effectively and thrive. This governance is critical, as it allows local authorities to respond to the specific needs of their populations, address local issues, and implement policies that reflect the unique characteristics of the community.

The other options pertain to responsibilities typically managed at a higher level of government. For instance, international trade agreements and national monetary policy are handled by the national government and are not within the purview of local authorities. Similarly, enforcing national immigration laws falls under the jurisdiction of national law enforcement and government agencies, not local government in Northern Ireland. Thus, the best description of a duty of local government is its responsibility to provide essential local services and governance.