Forthcoming consultations
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Estimated consultation period: April – June 2010
Consultation on the Seed Potato Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
This consultation is on the proposed consolidation of the existing Seed Potatoes Regulations (NI) 2001 with subsequent amendments, including on conservation varieties, introduction of a common scab derogation and statutory notification of importations of seed potatoes.
For further information contact: renee.mcdowell@dardni.gov.uk
Consultation Period: April – June 2010
Consultation on the proposed Transmissible Spongiform Regulations (NI) 2010
The proposed Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies Regulations (NI) 2010 would update and replace the existing TSE Regulations (NI) 2008, as amended. The proposed Regulations would include amendments in response to new EU legislation, advice from the Commission, technical changes and review of procedures.
For further information contact: gerard.lennon@dardni.gov.uk
Consultation Period: April – June 2010
Consultation on the Vegetable Seeds Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 as amended
The Vegetable Seeds Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 as amended will implement EC Directive 2009/145 known as the “amateur vegetable directive”. The proposed regulations provides for derogations for acceptance of certain traditional varieties and of those with no value for commercial crop production. The NI regulations will come into force by 31 December 2010.
For further information contact: john.murphy@dardni.gov.uk
Consultation Period: May – August 2010
Consultation on Statutory Brucellosis Biosecurity Guidance
This consultation seeks views on draft statutory biosecurity guidance for Brucellosis.
For further information contact: michael.o’sullivan@dardni.gov.uk
Expected start date: June 2010
Consultation on options for a successor to the Financial Assistance for Young Farmers Scheme
This consultation presents alternative approaches to future support for the establishment of young farmers (under 40 years old) who possess adequate skills and competences and are setting up as head of holding for the first time.
For further information contact: policy.development@dardni.gov.uk
Consultation Period July – September 2010
Consultation on the Code of Practice for using Plant Protection Products
The Consultation seeks views on the content of an updated Code of Practice for using Plant Protection Products, mainly pesticides. This links to a specific objective of the EC Thematic Strategy for Pesticides to promote the use of codes of good practice.
For further information contact: lorraine.turner@dardni.gov.uk
Department of Education
Consultation Period: April to June 2010
Teacher Education in a Climate of Change – The Way Forward
This consultation document sets the framework for the future policy development of teacher education, including the roles, functions and responsibilities of the various stakeholders in providing continuity of training and professional development for teachers.
For further information contact: paul.sloan@deni.gov.uk
Expected Consultation Period: Late March to early June 2010
Community Relations, Equality & Diversity Policy
The policy aims to enable children and young people to understand and deal with difference in whatever form – religious, cultural, gender, sexual orientation, disability or political affiliation and is premised on human rights, the UNCRC and equality.
For further information contact: andrew.bell@deni.gov.uk
Department of the Environment
Expected start date: April 2010
Draft Controls on Ozone-Depleting Substances Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 and Draft Ozone-Depleting Substances (Qualifications) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
Ozone depleting substances (ODS) are used in a number of sectors, including refrigeration and air conditioning and fire protection, using halons and solvents.
The use of ODS in industry has already been restricted by previous NI legislation to help protect the ozone layer. These draft Regulations include further restrictions. The draft Qualifications Regulations detail new certifications which employees will be required to attain before being allowed to work with products and equipment containing ODS.
For further information contact: roger.irwin@doeni.gov.uk
Expected start date: April 2010 (for 12 weeks)
Review of the Nitrates Action Programme (NI) Regulations 2006
The EC Nitrates Directive aims to improve water quality by reducing pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources and requires Member States to review their action programmes every 4 years. The current NI action programme came into operation on 1 January 2007. In addition, the European Commission Decision granting Northern Ireland a derogation from the livestock manure limit in the Directive expires on 31 December 2010. This consultation will address the proposed action programme for the period 2011-2014.
For further information contact: fiona.wilson@doeni.gov.uk
Expected start date : April 2010 (for 8 weeks)
Water Framework Directive (Priority Substances and Classification) Regulations (Northern Ireland)
The proposed Regulations will transpose the requirements of the Priority Substances Daughter Directive and will also define classification schemes used under the Water Framework Directive
For further information contact: emma.neill@doeni.gov.uk
Expected start date: April 2010 (for 12 weeks)
Draft planning policy Statement 2 (Revised): Natural Heritage
Revised draft planning policy to protect and conserve and where possible, enhance and restore the diversity of habitats, wildlife and earth science features. It will address landscape issues.
For further information contact: valerie.hamilton@doeni.gov.uk
Expected start date: April 2010 (for 12 weeks)
Draft Planning Policy Statement 16: Tourism
Draft planning policy to encourage and facilitate the provision of good quality tourism developments in appropriate locations within the built and natural environment. It will also address the safeguarding of existing tourism assets from inappropriate development.
For further information contact: michael.francey@doeni.gov.uk
Expected start date: April 2010 (for 12 weeks)
Consultation on policy proposals for a Northern Ireland Marine Bill
The proposals will create a strategic system that will clarify marine priorities and objectives for the future, and direct decision-makers and users towards more efficient, sustainable use and protection of our marine resources. A new system of marine planning will be at the heart of these proposals.
For further information contact: marineteam@doeni.gov.uk
Or go to the DOE Website
Expected start date: April/May 2010 (for 12 weeks)
Stage Two Consultation on the Transposition of the revised Waste Framework Directive
The proposed consultation will include policies on the delivery of the ‘new’ elements of the revised Directive (which were the subject of the Stage One consultation) as well as a draft set of transposing Regulations. The revised Waste Framework Directive is required to be transposed by 12 December 2010.
For further information contact: alison.simms@doeni.gov.uk
Or go to the DOE Website
Expected start date: May/June 2010 (for 12 weeks)
Consultation on the Solvent Emissions (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
The proposed Regulations transpose Directive 2008/112/EEC on the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures. This Directive amends Directive 1999/13/EC on the use of organic solvents. Member States are required to adopt and publish legislation transposing the Directive by 1 April 2010 and the provisions of the Directive apply from 1 June 2010.
For further information contact: amy.holmes@doeni.gov.uk
Or go to the DOE website
Expected start date: May/June 2010 (for 12 weeks)
Consultation on new Marine Licensing subordinate legislation
The proposed subordinate legislation (to be made under the Marine & Coastal Access Act 2009) will introduce a new system of marine licensing for the Northern Ireland inshore area.
For further information contact: marineteam@doeni.gov.uk
Or go to the DOE website
Estimated consultation period: April 2010 – June 2010
The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010
A consultation exercise is due to commence on the proposed draft amendments to The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 to permit and require the fitting and use of warning signs and lights on school buses.
For further information contact: enda.mccrory@doeni.gov.uk or Telephone: 028 9054 0316
Expected start date: April 2010
Review of the ‘L’ and ‘R’ driver scheme and introduction of a new scheme of Graduated Driver Licensing.
Consultation on a reform of the ‘L’ and ‘R’ driver schemes and the introduction of a Graduated Driver Licensing system which are planned to begin in March 2010.
These proposals are designed to reduce road casualties involving young and other newly qualified drivers by looking at ways in which the risk exposure amongst novice drivers can be reduced as part of a wider set of measures intended to strengthen the way that people learn to drive and are tested and encourage a culture of lifelong learning
For further information contact: betty.holland@doeni.gov.uk or Telephone: 028 9054 1165
Expected start date: April 2010
UK-wide consultation on changes resulting from Commission Directives 2009/112/EC and 2009/113/EC
The Directives introduce revised standards in relation to eyesight, diabetes mellitus and epilepsy for applicants for driving licences or for the renewal of such licences.
For further information contact: cathy.johnston@doeni.gov.uk or Telephone: 028 9054 1173
Consultation Period: April – June 2010
Proposed amendments to Bus Construction Regulations
Consultation on a package of Regulations which will recognise United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Regulations 52 and 107 as alternative technical standards for buses and coaches.
For further information contact: richard.crawford@doeni.gov.uk
Consultation Period: April – June 2010
Noise limits of replacement tyres
Consultation on proposed amendments to Construction and Use Regulations to implement Directive 2001/43/EC on noise limits of replacement tyres.
For further information contact: richard.crawford@doeni.gov.uk
Consultation Period: May – July 2010
Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) MOT testing exemptions
Consultation on proposal to remove a number of exemptions from the HGV roadworthiness testing scheme.
For further information contact: uel.banks@doeni.gov.uk
Department for Employment and Learning
Expected start date: April 2010
Revised and Updated Skills Strategy for Northern Ireland – ‘Success through Skills 2’
The Strategy looks at NI’s current skills base, examines the skills that will be needed in the future to grow the Northern Ireland economy (as forecasted by Oxford Economics Report ‘Forecasting Future Skills Needs in Northern Ireland’), highlights five areas for action and recommends five themes to achievement. The document, once published will be viewed as the overarching strategy for skills development in Northern Ireland over the next decade.
For further information contact Skills Policy Branch: Telephone 028 9044 1807 or check the DEL website
Expected start date: April 2010
Title Regulations to Prohibit the Blacklisting of Trade Unionists
The Department for Employment and Learning is seeking views on draft Regulations which will prohibit the blacklisting of trade unionists.
The blacklisting of trade unionists can encourage employers to systematically discriminate against trade union members and activists. The aim of this consultation is to obtain views on the implementation of Regulations to prohibit the compilation, dissemination, and use of trade union blacklists.
For further information contact: stephen.wilson@delni.gov.uk Or telephone: 028 9025 7545
Expected to commence: Spring 2010
Future policy on higher education fees and student finance in Northern Ireland
Following the Minister’s consideration of Joanne Stuart’s report on her independent review of variable fees and student finance arrangements, a consultation on the way forward is scheduled for Spring 2010.
For further information contact: angela.mcallister@delni.gov.uk or patrick.smith@delni.gov.uk
Consultation period: 10 May – 15 September 2010
The proposed merger of Stranmillis University College with Queen’s University Belfast
The Department for Employment and Learning will be seeking views on the proposed merger of Stranmillis University College with Queen’s University Belfast. The proposed merger will lead to the establishment of the Stranmillis School of Education at Queen’s.
For further information contact billy.lyttle@delni.gov.uk
Department of Finance and Personnel
Estimated consultation period: June – September 2010
Consultation paper on landlord liability for rates
Issue concerns levels of landlord allowance following introduction of rating of empty homes in April 2011.
For further information contact: brian.mcclure@dfpni.gov.uk
Will be published on DFP website at: http://www.ratingreviewni.gov.uk/
Department of Health, Social Services & Public Safety
Expected start date: June 2010
Consultation on Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy
An engagement exercise involving local community, voluntary and HSC stakeholders was undertaken during July 2009 as part of the development of a new mental health and wellbeing strategy. A more formal consultation is planned when the draft strategy is published and will help inform a future action plan.
For further information contact: gerard.collins@dhsspsni.gov.uk Or telephone: 028 9052 2216
Expected start date: April 2010
Consultation on draft tobacco control regulations under the Health Bill 2009
A consultation exercise is due to commence in April 2010 by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) on regulations relating to a ban on the display of tobacco products at point of sale in retail outlets; requirements in relation to the display of price lists for tobacco products; and exemptions for specialist tobacconists.
For further information contact: jenny.mcalarney@dhsspsni.gov.uk Or telephone: 028 9052 2216
Expected start date: April 2010
Skin Cancer Prevention – Strategy and Action Plan 2010 – 2020
A consultation exercise is due to commence in April 2010 by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) on a strategy and action plan for the prevention of skin cancer in Northern Ireland
For further information contact: jenny.mcalarney@dhsspsni.gov.uk Or telephone: 028 9052 2216
Department for Regional Development
Expected consultation period: April June 2010
DRD Disability Action Plan April 2010 – March 2013
Under Section 49A of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA 1995) (as amended by the Disability Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 2006), the Department is required when carrying out its functions to have due regard to the need to:
- promote positive attitudes towards disabled people; and
- encourage participation by disabled people in public life (‘the disability duties’).
Under Section 49B of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995, DRD is required to submit to the Equality Commission a Disability Action Plan (DAP) showing how it proposes to fulfil its disability duties in relation to its functions.
The existing DAP runs out on the 31 March 2010. The consultation will seek views on the action points listed in the new DAP.
For further information contact jackie.gregg@drdni.gov.uk Or telephone 028 9054 0867
Consultation period: June – September 2010
Consultation on the provision of financial assistance to existing rural properties to connect to a water main
The consultation will seek views on the outcome of a review of the current financial assistance provided to assist rural properties not served by a water main. It will consider various options for assisting these properties to obtain mains water. Given the rurality and the isolated nature of many of the properties involved, it may also consider other options for these properties to secure a supply of wholesome water.
For further information contact: joanne.adair@drdni.gov.uk
Expected consultation Period: April – June 2010
Roads (Functions of District Councils) Bill
The consultation concerns proposals to transfer certain functions currently carried out by the Department’s Roads Service to the new district councils when the Review of Public Administration (RPA) has been brought into effect.
These functions are: authorising local road race events; the issue of authorisations to enable vehicles to enter pedestrian zones; management of off-street car parks and on and off-street parking enforcement.
For further information contact: gerry.anketell@drdni.gov.uk Or telephone 028 9054 0525
Department for Social Development
Expected consultation period: April – July 2010
Fuel Poverty Strategy
Public consultation on the department’s new Fuel Poverty Strategy.
For further information contact: oliver.mchugh@dsdni.gov.uk
Expected consultation period: Spring 2010
Owner Occupiers in Regeneration areas
The department was asked to consider how they could better support those owner occupiers who wished to remain in their community following regeneration activity which required the acquisition of their homes. The proposals within this document are aimed at supporting community development and creating more sustainable communities through new provisions that will afford owner occupiers in redevelopment areas similar opportunities to remain in the community post regeneration as already exist for tenants.
For further information contact: una.ferguson@dsdni.gov.uk Or telephone 028 9082 9295
