The Northern Ireland Executive is the devolved government for Northern Ireland, responsible for making decisions on local matters such as health, education, and justice. It operates under the framework established by the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, which aimed to promote peace and political stability in the region. The Executive is led by the First Minister and the deputy First Minister, who work together with various ministers representing different political parties. This power-sharing arrangement is designed to ensure that all communities in Northern Ireland have a voice in governance, reflecting the region's diverse political landscape.