The 98-page document includes a commitment to exploring the expansion of out-of-court disposals, including community resolution notices, in order to speed up cases and help to “reduce pressure on the courts and other justice agencies”.

First minister Michelle O’Neill said yesterday: “Today represents a significant milestone for the Executive as we launch our programme for government. This document sets out the areas we need to prioritise to make this a better place to live, work and invest.

“Good progress has been made in laying the foundations for the reform that is needed to improve our public services. We are determined to tackle the big issues facing our society including cutting waiting lists, delivering improvements to childcare; growing our economy and ending violence against women and girls.

“We are committed to working in partnership and driving the transformation that our people deserve. The PfG is our plan for how we will deliver positive change for workers, families and communities now, as well as creating the conditions that will help to move our society forward in the years to come.”

Deputy first minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “The programme for government is our delivery plan for this mandate and beyond. It not only outlines our nine priorities, but sets out a roadmap to grow our economy, strengthen our communities and support hard working families.

“To succeed we need to ensure that we are relentlessly focussed on delivery. That is why we are establishing a delivery unit in The Executive Office to augment the work of Departments, and why we are establishing an AI unit to embrace new technology that can help us improve efficiency and effectiveness in the public sector.

“We are committed to working together, with both colleagues and external partners, to address the challenges of today as well as prepare for the opportunities of tomorrow so that we can bring about real and lasting change for everyone in Northern Ireland.”