![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/who-is-running-northern-ireland/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/110464427_stormontafpgetty.jpg&description=Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The power of civil servants is limited without ministers in placeThe absence of Stormont Ministers has left senior civil servants controlling the nine government departments in Northern Ireland.The likelihood is that they will remain in control until the early part of next year, if not longer. They are dealing with many challenges, especially on the financial front, with Stormont departments facing a projected overspend of more than £600m. Ministers ceased to hold office at the end of October when the deadline for reforming the power-sharing executive passed without agreement. With no ministers in place, the powers of civil servants are severely limited. They can only implement policies previously agreed by politicians and their ability to react to changing circumstances is negligible.The Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris intends to introduce legislation soon to set a budget and give civil servants more room for manoeuvre, but the details have not been confirmed. In a statement to BBC News NI, The Executive Office outlined how Northern Ireland is currently being run."Departments will continue to deliver services as far as possible and business as usual will continue for the majority of services in the immediate future," said a spokesperson.The statement spelled out the limitations faced by civil servants."With ministers leaving office on October 28, departments are now without political control or direction."The courts have made clear what departments can do in the absence of a minister. The Court of Appeal confirmed in July 2018 that the role of the civil servant is to advise ministers and be accountable to them. The court also stated that any matter, which as a matter of convention or otherwise would normally go before the minister for approval, lies beyond the competence of a department in the absence of a minister."That court ruling four years ago overturned planning permission for a £240m waste incinerator w){kind=link}
The absence of Stormont Ministers has left senior civil servants controlling the nine government departments in Northern Ireland.
The likelihood is that they will remain in control until the early part of next year, if not longer.
They are dealing with many challenges, especially on the financial front, with Stormont departments facing a projected overspend of more than £600m.
Ministers ceased to hold office at the end of October when the deadline for reforming the power-sharing executive passed without agreement.
With no ministers in place, the powers of civil servants are severely limited. They can only implement policies previously agreed by politicians and their ability to react to changing circumstances is negligible.