Which area is NOT included in the devolved powers of Northern Ireland?

The correct answer is trade, as it is not one of the devolved powers of Northern Ireland. In the context of the devolved governance established by the Northern Ireland Act 1998, powers related to education, police and justice, and agriculture have been transferred to the Northern Ireland Assembly. This means that local representatives can make decisions and enact legislation on these matters.

Trade, however, remains a reserved matter, which means it is managed at a UK-wide level rather than being devolved to Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. This structure ensures that key aspects of trade policy, especially those that might affect the broader UK market, are handled uniformly across the country. Therefore, while Northern Ireland has autonomy in several areas, trade is governed by the overarching policies of the UK government.