The Petition of Concern is a mechanism whereby 30 MLAs can petition the Assembly requiring a matter to be passed on a cross-community rather than a simple majority basis. Under the Belfast Agreement, it is one of the 'safeguards' in Strand One as a mechanism "to ensure key decisions [in the Assembly] are taken on cross-community basis". The requirement to enable a Petition of Concern is given effect in the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and in the Assembly's standing orders. (en)
