MLAs debating welfare reform bill

Stormont's controversial welfare reform legislation is being debated by MLAs on Tuesday.

The proposed bill has reached what is known as the consideration stage in Stormont's legislative process.

For months, the issue of welfare reform threatened to bring down the assembly.

But in December's inter-party talks, politicians agreed to set aside tens of millions of pounds for a fund designed to provide financial support for those adversely impacted by welfare changes.

As the debate began, Ulster Unionist assembly member Roy Beggs said the DUP had "effectively killed off discussion" by tabling a series of petitions of concern against amendments to the bill.

What is a petition of concern?

The measure was designed as a way to safeguard minority rights in Stormont's power-sharing assembly.

If a petition of concern is presented to the assembly speaker, any motion or amendment will need cross-community support.

In such cases, a vote on proposed legislation will only pass if supported by a weighted majority (60%) of members voting, including at least 40% of each of the nationalist and unionist designations present and voting.

Effectively this means that, provided enough MLAs from a particular community agree, that community can exercise a veto over the assembly's decisions.

Apart from the amendments tabled by Social Development Minister Mervyn Storey of the DUP, only two others - put forward by the UUP - survived.

DUP leader Peter Robinson rejected Mr Beggs' claim that his party's actions were "shameful".

The first minister said assembly members were still capable of discussing the bill as well as the amendments.

Speaker Mitchel McLaughlin reminded members to be careful with their remarks, adding that "every aspect of this bill is up for discussion".

Difficult

Generally, Northern Ireland Assembly bills reach their consideration stage a few months after MLAs first debate their principles.

The fact that two years and four months have passed since this bill was last on the floor of the chamber shows just how difficult the arguments over welfare reform have been.

With nearly 80 amendments to consider, MLAs are likely to go through the fine details until late on Tuesday night and debate could continue on Wednesday.

However, the essential deal was struck before Christmas, with the parties accepting the introduction of universal credit and personal independence payments, to replace benefits such as jobseeker's allowance, tax credits and disability living allowance.

Stormont is providing support for those adversely impacted financially by the changes to the welfare system by setting aside nearly £30m to assist claimants who lose out in 2015/16.

Sinn Féin has claimed the fund will amount to more than £500m over the next six years.

MLAs debating welfare reform bill

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