Written Answers to Questions - Northern Ireland Assembly

Friday 20 July 2012 Written Answers
Mr Attwood: I agree that it is a very important issue to identify and negotiate for and work towards
further devolution of powers and functions from London to Belfast. This has many elements of which
one is the Crown Estate. I will encourage the Executive to work on each and all elements, though
technically the devolution of the administration and revenue of the Crown Estate is not within the remit
of DOE.
Given the leasing round in autumn, given my consideration that renewables is Ireland’s biggest
economic opportunity, I am writing to the DETI and DFP Ministers to urge that the Executive seeks to
progress the issues.
Proposals for Legislation
Mr Dallat asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (i) what proposals for legislation, subject to
Executive approval, he has introduced or intends to introduce between April 2012 and March 2015; (ii)
the anticipated timescale for the introduction of each Bill; and (iii) the intention of each Bill.
(AQW 10633/11-15)
Mr Attwood: The details of the 9 Bills that I propose to introduce to the Assembly between April
2012 and March 2015 and 1 which is still at Committee Stage are contained in the attached table.
The introduction of a Bill is subject to Executive agreement. Potentially prioritisation may arise.
Consequently, the timelines should be treated as indicative, particularly for the later Bills, where public
consultation is not yet completed.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT PROPOSED BILLS BETWEEN APRIL 2012 AND MARCH 2015
NO BILL PURPOSE
1. Marine Bill To introduce a new system of marine planning, improved marine
nature conservation and further streamlining of marine licensing.
Introduced: 21 February 2012 Royal Assent: early 2013
2. Planning Bill To bring forward a number of the planning reforms contained in
the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 and apply them to the
Department in advance of the transfer of powers to district councils.
3. National Park
Bill
4. Local
Government
(Reorganisation)
Bill
5. Road Traffic
(Amendment)
Bill No 1
Introduction: Autumn 2012 Royal Assent: mid 2013
To allow for the identification, designation and management of
national parks.
Introduction: Autumn 2012 Royal Assent: mid 2013
To provide for the reorganisation of local government; new
governance arrangements for councils; a new ethical standards
regime; the introduction of community planning powers and
the power of well-being; and an updated service delivery and
performance improvement regime.
Introduction Autumn 2012 Royal Assent mid 2013
To lower the limits on blood alcohol levels for motorists and
introduce other measures to tackle drink driving; and amend the
novice driver regime.
To be introduced in December 2012; Royal Assent late 2013.
6. Carrier Bags Bill To extend the carrier bag levy to all carrier bags.
Introduction: January 2013 Royal Assent: January 2014
WA 507