A legislative programme for government has been presented to the Assembly by the North's First Minister, Mr David Trimble. He stressed yesterday that the priorities outlined were not an exhaustive list of measures the executive intended to introduce before the summer recess.
Mr Trimble announced that five Bills would be introduced to the Assembly during this month. He accepted that the legislative programme was not exciting and was largely a matter of establishing parity with other parts of the UK.
It would take time for the Assembly to evolve its own policy. "Better to take that time than to rush into things simply to grab a few headlines. That is not the hallmark of how we intend to proceed," he said.
The Ulster Unionist leader outlined a Trustee Bill, intended to modernise the law on trustee investments, a Ground Rent Bill, simplifying the acquisition of ground rents and freehold titles, and a Deregulation (Weights and Measures) Bill, to introduce the pre-stamping of equipment used for weighing or measuring.
He also outlined a Dogs Bill, which amends the Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order and gives magistrates discretion in all circumstances in determining the fate of a dog, including the circumstances of an attack.
The Fisheries (Amendment) Bill was aimed at enhancing the powers of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commissions, and the promotion and development of angling, improvements to licence control, conservation and the collection of shellfish from foreshores, he added.
The executive was also planning the introduction of a Health and Personal Social Services (Amendment) Bill before the summer recess, thus establishing a Northern Ireland Social Care Council to co-ordinate social work in the North, he said.
"There are a number of other measures we want to bring forward later in the year but which are not ready yet because of policy or parity issues which have to be resolved.
"This would include a Limited Liability Partnership Bill, a Financial Services and Markets Bill, an Insolvency Bill, a Resource Accounting and Budgeting Bill, and a Landlords' Liability for Defective Premises Bill," he added.
Replying to Mr Alban Maginness (SDLP, North Belfast), Mr Trimble said it was intended to have the Street Trading Bill on the statute book in time for Christmas.
He said legislation would also be needed to deal with the sale of Belfast Harbour but added, "until the Assembly decides on the precise formulation for that, we will not be in a position to bring any legislation forward."
The leader of the Alliance Party, Mr Sean Neeson (East Antrim), described the legislative programme as "fairly unadventurous" and asked the First Minister how the Assembly would seek to show the policy innovation which was supposed to be the hallmark of regional government.
Mr Neeson said he accepted there was a need for the Assembly to "gently find its feet", but asked Mr Trimble whether he agreed there was "an urgent need for this Assembly to prove its worth to the wider community."
The executive has already announced an Equality (Disability) Bill to give disabled people the same employment rights as their counterparts in Britain.
Meanwhile, the Assembly yesterday appointed three Deputy Speakers. Mr John Gorman (UUP, North Down), Mr Donovan McClelland (SDLP, South Antrim) and Ms Jane Morrice (Women's Coalition, North Down) were all elected on cross-community votes.