Michelle O'Neill Image: Alamy Stock Photo Michelle O'Neill Image: Alamy Stock Photo SINN FÉIN’S STORMONT leader Michelle O’Neill has said there is a “real prospect” that Covid-19 restrictions may have to remain in place in Northern Ireland due to legal issues.
As a result, the Executive cannot take any significant decisions. This has already been raised as a concern ahead of a vote due on the region’s budget. However, members of the Stormont Assembly can still sit for general sessions and Stormont committees can also sit.This afternoon Swann confirmed he has received “detailed legal advice on the factors that need to be considered when seeking to amend Executive Covid regulations in the absence of an Executive”.
Executive approval is ordinarily required for decisions that are significant, controversial or cross cutting. “I am aware now that the health minister has received that legal advice and he wants to give it a bit more consideration. I hope that we will be able to find a way forward, something which gives the public some hope and some progression in terms of the Covid restrictions,” O’Neill said.
O’Neill said the Stormont parties would try to find ways to lift the remaining Covid restrictions in Northern Ireland.
'Legal reasons'