Recommendation 9

In spite of their instability—owed in part to stringent cross-community safeguards— the institutions have shown that they can be effective in terms of legislative output. During periods of relative stability, by that metric the Assembly arguably outperforms its counterparts in Scotland and Wales. Evidence also shows that the institutions have presided over the development of key industries in Northern Ireland. We commend this achievement and recognise that the institutions can constitute an active legislature and that their work has led to good policy outcomes in certain areas.