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If you read @SJAMcBride 's article this morning and you're confused, have a gander at this thread, Richard's thread and the conversation between Richard and Anurag. https://twitter.com/governmentalite/status/1283395262715764736
For those going yeah what the hell is this though?
: In the NI Executive there are issues which require Executive approval and issues which Ministers can take on their own.
As Sam highlights in his article, the DUP has always favoured a more centralised approach.
: In the NI Executive there are issues which require Executive approval and issues which Ministers can take on their own.
As Sam highlights in his article, the DUP has always favoured a more centralised approach.
i.e the Party likes it when matters come to the Exec. It doesn't like solo runs. St Andrews helped this.
The case of Buick threw a bit of a spanner into the works. Buick was about an incinerator and whether civil servants could act without a Minister https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/judges-rule-incinerator-case-needed-decision-by-a-minister-37088889.html
The case of Buick threw a bit of a spanner into the works. Buick was about an incinerator and whether civil servants could act without a Minister https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/judges-rule-incinerator-case-needed-decision-by-a-minister-37088889.html
That case was also about whether decisions need to be taken via a Minister alone or whether the Executive needs to be involved.
The COA said that the decision to grant planning permission for the incinerator should have gone to the Executive as a whole.
The COA said that the decision to grant planning permission for the incinerator should have gone to the Executive as a whole.
In particular, the court talked about issues that are "cross cutting" being referred up to the Executive as a whole i.e decisions that would impact on another Minister's department.
OFMDFM is bringing a bill.They say it's to address the issues in Buick so there's less confusion
OFMDFM is bringing a bill.They say it's to address the issues in Buick so there's less confusion
Richard Bullick (ex SPAD) among others believes the Bill goes further and actually gives more power to Ministers to act alone.
Anurag Deb (academic) thinks the new bill just clarifies rather changes the law.
Ergo the debate
Anurag Deb (academic) thinks the new bill just clarifies rather changes the law.
Ergo the debate
so yes, that's the long and short of it. This is really about Ministerial power and decision making in the NI Exec. It could have big implications.
and if you're wondering what I think I'm still at the stage where I'm listening to different arguments. haven't made up my mind yet.
