SCHEDULES

SCHEDULE 2Improving the natural environment: Northern Ireland

PART 2Policy statement on environmental principles

I1I27Policy statement on environmental principles: process

1

The Department must prepare a draft of the policy statement on environmental principles.

2

The Department must consult—

a

the other Northern Ireland departments,

b

the Secretary of State, and

c

such other persons as the Department considers appropriate,

in relation to the draft statement.

3

The Department must lay the draft statement before the Northern Ireland Assembly.

4

If before the end of the 21 day period the Northern Ireland Assembly passes a resolution in respect of the draft statement, the Department must produce a response and lay it before the Assembly.

5

The Department must prepare and lay before the Northern Ireland Assembly the final statement, but not before—

a

if sub-paragraph (4) applies, the day on which the Department lays the response required by that sub-paragraph, or

b

otherwise, the end of the 21 day period.

6

The final statement has effect when it is laid before the Northern Ireland Assembly.

7

The Department must publish the statement when it comes into effect.

8

The “21 day period” is the period of 21 sitting days beginning with the first sitting day after the day on which the draft statement is laid under sub-paragraph (3).

9

“Sitting day” means a day on which the Northern Ireland Assembly sits.

10

The requirements in sub-paragraphs (1) and (2) may be met by the preparation of a draft statement, and consultation, before this paragraph comes into force.

11

The Department may prepare a revised policy statement on environmental principles at any time (and sub-paragraphs (1) to (9) apply in relation to any revised statement).