Deirdre's version: SL1 and Statutory Rules

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'How-to' guide for Committee staff

Proposals for Statutory Rules (SL1) and Statutory Rules (SR)

Index

Before a statutory rule can be laid before the Assembly for its approval, the intention to do so must be conveyed to the Committee responsible for scrutinising that department's work. This is done in the form of an SL1 letter.

These guides describe the processes from the point of view of the scrutinising Committee.Click on each section to view the guide or quiz. Return to this index at any time to navigate the guidance or take the quiz.If you need help using the guide, view our

Learn what happens when a department submits an SL1 letter to the relevant Committee.

Learn what happens after the SL1 process, when the Statutory Rule is laid before the Assembly.

Once you've gone through the guidance, you can test your knowledge in our multiple choice quiz.

Statutory Rules implement and commence provisions contained in Primary Legislation (Acts).

'How to use this guide' information

SL1s

Statutory Rules

Quiz

How to use this guide

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SL1s

What happens when a Committee receives an SL1 letter?

Step 1

The SL1 letter is received from the Department

This sets out the Department's proposal for a new Statutory Rule.

What can you expect to find in the SL1 letter?

View a sample SL1 letter

Relevant details which should be included in the SL1:

Purpose of proposed SR
Detail on parent legislation/Background
Assembly Procedure the SR will be subject to
Detail of any consultation which has informed proposed SR
The position relative to GB
Equality Impact Assessment and Regulatory Impact Assessment of the proposed SR
Financial Implications of the proposed SR
EU Implications
Compliance with Section 24 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998
Proposed Operation Date of the SR

* If any of the above is not in the letter, this should be drawn to the attention of the Clerk and DALO More information on the SL1 stage can be found in the Government Departments SR Handbook (Word document, 173 pages, 216KB). If the link doesn't open for you automatically, right click on it and select 'Save link as...' to download the document to your device.

Download an example of an SL1 letter from the office of the Justice Minister (PDF, 5 pages, 378KB). This is a proposal to make a Statutory Rule: The Police Service of Northern Ireland and Police Service of Northern Ireland Reserve (Injury Benefit) (Amendment) Regulations 2020, submitted to the Committee for Justice in December 2020.

Step 2

For most Committees this will be:S:\ Committee name \ Legislation \ Subordinate \ SL1 \ title of SL1

Save the SL1 letter to the appropriate folder on the Committee's S drive

Using naming conventions

It is useful to standardise the titles used for SL1s and SRs when saving to the S Drive, and when adding these items of business to AIMs and Committee Agenda. Each Committee office should agree its preferred naming convention. For example: Use SL1 for The Misuse Of Drugs (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 Not The Misuse Of Drugs (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021- SL1 Or SL1 - Misuse Of Drugs (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 View example of naming conventions used by the Health Committee (PDF, 1 page, 142KB) If the link doesn't open for you automatically, right click on it and select 'Save link as...' to download the document to your device.

Step 3

Add details of the SL1 to the Committee’s SR tracker

What do you include in the tracker?

Download a blank template tracker

Click on image to view in fullscreen

Download an example of a complete tracker

The information collected on the tracker allows staff to see at a glance what stage of the process a SL1/SR is at, and helps staff ensure that the Committee considers each SL1/SR within the required timescales. What should be included in the tracker:

SL1 title
Department
Assembly Procedure
Date SL1 received
Date of Committee consideration of SL1
Date of Committee Approval of SL1
Other Comments (such as additional information requested)

Download a complete, populated example tracker (Excel spreadsheet, 23KB). If the link doesn't open for you automatically, right click on it and select 'Save link as...' to download the document to your device.

Download a blank template tracker (Excel spreadsheet, 21KB). If the link doesn't open for you automatically, right click on it and select 'Save link as...' to download the document to your device.

Step 4

Schedule the SL1 for consideration by the Committee

Add the SL1 to an appropriate meeting agenda and add as an item of business to AIMS.The Clerk will advise if Departmental officials will be required to attend to brief the Committee further or answer any questions.

What do you do if officials are needed?

Adding SL1 to AIMS

Liaise with the Departmental Assembly Liaison Officer (DALO) to obtain names of officials and advise of indicative time for the briefing when the agenda for that meeting is agreed.

Download guidance on how to update the Assembly Integrated Management System (AIMS) (PDF, 5 pages, 421KB) If the link doesn't open for you automatically, right click on it and select 'Save link as...' to download the document to your device.

Step 5

A cover note should not duplicate the content of the SL1. It should add value and assist Members in their deliberations by highlighting important information about the proposed rule and setting out any additional relevant information.

Prepare a cover note for the SL1, only if required. The Clerk will decide if this is necessary.

What should you include in the cover note?

Download a blank template cover note

What should you include in the cover note? Additional information that can assist the Committee in its consideration of the SL1 may include:

The Committee’s previous consideration of this or a related policy area;
The Committee’s consideration of the parent Act including consultation responses on the original Bill;
Views from stakeholders; and
Suggested action or options for further scrutiny work

Download sample cover note (Word document, 1 page, 165KB) The sample shows a completed cover note for SL1: The Postal Administration Rules (Northern Ireland) 2020. If the link doesn't open for you automatically, right click on it and select 'Save link as...' to download the document to your device.

Download blank template cover note (Word document, 1 page, 165KB) If the link doesn't open for you automatically, right click on it and select 'Save link as...' to download the document to your device.

Step 6

When the SL1 Papers are finalised they can be added to Sharepoint and the Electronic Committee Pack (ECP).

Add SL1 papers to the meeting pack folder

What papers should be included?

How to use Sharepoint and the ECP

The papers should include:

Cover note if required
SL1 letter from Department
Copy of the draft SR
Any other relevant background information identified by the Clerk e.g. Consultation Document, previous related correspondence

Guidance on using Sharepoint (to be added) Download Guidance on creating Electronic Committee Packs (PDF, 49 pages, 2.72MB) If the links do not open for you automatically, right click and select 'Save link as...' to download the document to your device.

Step 7

The level of detail included in the brief can vary - however it will always prompt the Chair to ask the Committee whether it is content with the Department’s proposed SR.

Prepare the SL1 section of the Chairperson’s brief

View examples of SL1 section of a Chairperson's brief

View a typical SL1 section of a Chairperson’s Brief (PDF, 1 page, 30KB) View a complex SL1 section of a Chairperson’s Brief (PDF, 3 pages, 34KB) If the links do not open for you automatically, right click and select 'Save link as...' to download the document to your device.

Step 8

At the meeting, the Committee must decide if it is content with the general policy intention of the proposed SR. Remember that it is only at this stage that the Committee has the ability to influence the proposed rule.

Play the video to watch a committee deliberate an SL1

The Agriculture Committee discussing SL1s in relation to direct payments to farmers

Step 9

The Committee agrees that it is content with the proposal as presented

View sample email to inform the DALO that Committee is content

The Committee agrees to request further information / briefing to inform its decision on the proposal

What to do if further information is required

The Committee makes a decision

After the meeting, a number of actions may be required depending on the Committee's decision:

Example email: Dear Wendy RE: SL1 The Provision of Health Services to Persons Not Ordinarily Resident (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 At its meeting on 5 March 2020, the Committee for Health considered the Department of Health’s proposal to make a statutory rule, which would ensure that hospital treatment for Coronavirus disease is provided to any visitor to Northern Ireland without charge. The Committee agreed that it was content with the proposal for the statutory rule. Yours sincerely, [Clerk]

Advise DALO of the issues the Committee requires further information on.
If a briefing is required, advise DALO of the indicative date and time of the briefing, and request that officials attend.
The DALO should provide the Committee with the information requested and names/job titles of the officials who will provide the briefing if required.
The Committee may also wish to seek information/briefing from relevant stakeholders and/or other Departmental Scrutiny Committees.

Step 10

Record the Committee's decision in the Minutes of Proceedings (MOPs)

Complete post-meeting tasks

What details do I add to the tracker?

View the sample wording for SL1 consideration

Update the Statutory Rules tracker

Update the Assembly Information Management System (AIMS)

What do I need to update AIMS?

SL1 - [insert title of SL1] Option 1 If the Committee is content that the Department make the Statutory Rule, insert the following: The Committee considered a proposal by the Department of/for xx to make a statutory rule to xx. Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was content with the proposal for the statutory rule. Option 2 If the Committee requires further information from Department or stakeholders, insert the following: The Committee considered a proposal by the Department of/for xx to make a statutory rule to xx. Agreed: The Committee agreed to seek further information from the Department of/for xx/name of stakeholder etc. xx on xx. and to defer consideration of the proposed Statutory Rule. Option 3 If the Committee is not content that the Department make the SR, insert the following: The Committee considered a proposal by the Department of/for xx to make a statutory rule to xx. Agreed: The Committee agreed that it was not content with the proposal for the Statutory Rule.

Add the following details:

Date SL1 at Committee for Approval.
If SL1 Approval Given.
Any relevant comments about consideration of SL1.

Add an End-date to the Item of Business on AIMs. Download guidance on how to update the Assembly Integrated Management System (AIMS) (PDF, 5 pages, 421KB) If the link doesn't open for you automatically, right click on it and select 'Save link as...' to download the document to your device.

SL1 stage complete

The Committee's consideration of the SL1 is now complete and the next steps are determined by the Department

If the Committee is content with the SL1 proposal the Department will normally move to formally lay the Statutory Rule. There is no specific timeframe for this to happen – it is a matter for the Department to take forward. If the Committee is not content with the SL1 proposal the Department may still decide to proceed to Statutory Rule stage, this is also a matter for the Department. The way forward in respect of each option will be covered in the next section.

Proceed to the Statutory Rule stage

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Statutory Rules

What happens when an SL1 moves to the Statutory Rule stage?

The Department lays the Statutory Rule in the Assembly by delivering it to the Business Office

The Department will provide three documents:

Step 1

The Subordinate Legislation 5 (SL5) letter

View an example of an SL5 letter

The Statutory Rule

An Explanatory Memorandum

View an example of a Statutory Rule

View an example of an Exploratory Memorandum

The SL5 should confirm that either there has been no change in policy content since the SL1 was submitted to the Committee, or if there has been, explain the differences and reasons for these. It may also include a timetable for the SR. Download an example of an SL5 letter for The COVID-19 Study Disruption Payment Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 SR No 2021 No. 52 (PDF, 1 page, 84KB) If the link doesn't open for you automatically, right click on it and select 'Save link as...' to download the document to your device.

Download an example of an Statutory Rule: The COVID-19 Study Disruption Payment Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (PDF, 4 pages, 56KB) If the link doesn't open for you automatically, right click on it and select 'Save link as...' to download the document to your device.

The Memorandum should include the name of the Department, describe the content of each provision of the statutory rule, include reference to the rule-making powers and Assembly control (that is, negative resolution, affirmative resolution, etc.) and other information such as consultation. Download an example of an Exploratory Memorandum to Statutory Rule: The COVID-19 Study Disruption Payment Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (PDF, 2 pages, 39KB) If the link doesn't open for you automatically, right click on it and select 'Save link as...' to download the document to your device.

The Business Office will email the SR documents to the relevant Committee Office, and to the Examiner of Statutory Rules

The email from the Business Office will include information on:

Step 2

More information...

The date the SR was laid

More information...

The type of procedure the SR is subject to

The date of the end of the statutory period (EOSP)

Find out more about the Examiner of Statutory Rules

The Business Office will advise the date that the Department laid the Rule as it may be different to the issue date of their email to the Committee Office.

Statutory rules which are laid before the Assembly may be subject to a 4 different types of Assembly procedures. The procedure to which any statutory rule is subject will be set out in the parent legislation. The parent legislation is the legislation which, in any particular case, gives the Department or rule-making body the power to make the statutory rule. It will set out the circumstances in which a statutory rule may be made. Find out more information about the different types of Assembly procedure:

Negative Resolution Procedure
Affirmative Resolution Procedure
Draft Affirmative Resolution Procedure
Confirmatory Resolution Procedure

How to calculate the end of statutory period for negative resolution SRs The end of statutory period (EOSP) for SRs is 10 plenary sitting days or 30 calendar days, whichever is the longest. The counting begins the day after the rule is laid in the Business Office. Calculating the EOSP for SRs is reasonably straightforward however, there are a few more things to keep in mind:

If more plenary sittings are scheduled unexpectedly the EOSP will change (brought forward) and it is the responsibly of Committee staff to recalculate the new date and advise the BO.
A statutory period can span more than one Assembly session, or more than one Assembly mandate.
Calendar days include Saturdays and Sundays.
If the statutory period ends on a Sunday or a public holiday, it moves to the next day that is not a Sunday or a public holiday. This is only relevant when working out the EOSP using calendar days.

View a worked example of how to calculate the end of a statutory period (PDF, 1 page, 105KB) If the link doesn't open for you automatically, right click on it and select 'Save link as...' to download the document to your device.

Work of the Examiner of Statutory Rules Visit the Northern Ireland Assembly website for more information on the work of the Examiner of Statutory Rules.

Step 3

Save the SR documents to the relevant folder on the S Drive

For most Committees this will be: S:/ [Committee name] / Legislation / Subordinate

Click 'play' fordemonstration

Step 4

Update the Statutory Rules tracker

The SR Tracker should be updated to record:

SR Number
SR Title
Date laid in Business Office
Type of Assembly procedure the SR is subject to
End of Statutory Period (where applicable)

Add a screen recording here?

Step 5

Schedule the SR for consideration at Committee meeting and add to the agenda

This should be agreed with the Clerk, and with the DALO where necessary. There are a number of factors to consider when deciding when to schedule the SR:

Is the SR subject to Negative Resolution?

Has the ESR reported on the SR yet?

Does the Committee require any further information?

Yes

Ensure that the Statutory Rule is scheduled in time to allow the Committee time to lay a prayer of annulment if it is not content, before the end of statutory period (EOSP) expires. More information on prayer of annulment [link to staff guide]

Check with Business Office and Department when the SR is expected to be debated in plenary, and ensure SR is scheduled before this date – be mindful that the order of business can change.

Make reference to the ESR's report in the Chair's brief: For example: 'The Examiner of Statutory Rules has reported that the regulations were made in breach of the 21 day rule, but that she is content for the Department’s reason for this, and has no other issues to raise.' or 'The Examiner of Statutory Rules has no issues to raise in relation to this SR.'

Check with the ESR’s office when the report might be available. If time is tight, it may be necessary to schedule the SR without the ESR’s report, but this should be avoided if possible. Make it clear in the Chair's Brief that the SR is being considered before the ESR's report is made: 'Advise Members that the Examiner of Statutory Rules has not yet reported on this SR' If the SR is considered by the Committee before the ESR has reported, this should be reflected in the wording used: "The Committee for Health has considered SR 2021/293 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel) (2021 Consolidation) (Amendment No. 8) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 and, subject to the report of the Examiner of Statutory Rules, has no objection to the Rule.”

If the Committee is waiting on further information, for example a response by the Department to issues raised at SL1 stage, contact the DALO to advise of the scheduled date and ask for the response to be forwarded in time for inclusion in the meeting pack, so the Committee can consider the information before making its decision. If a briefing is required, commission witnesses.

It is time to schedule the meeting as early as possible.

Step 6

Add the SR papers to the relevant meeting pack folder

What papers should be included?

When the SR Papers are finalised they can be added to Sharepoint and the Electronic Committee Pack (ECP)

Find out how to use Sharepoint and update the ECP

Add SR as an item of business on AIMs

Find out how to update AIMS

Papers for the pack could include:

The SR
The SL5 letter
The EFM
The Hansard of the SL1 consideration if available
Any correspondence relating to the SR
Any other relevant papers

The Clerk will advise which of these papers should be added to the pack. Remember to consider the naming and running order convention for papers when adding to the pack.

Link to 'How to' guides for Sharepoint and ECP.

Step 7

Request Hansard for SR agenda item if required

Hansard will not routinely report on SRs at Committee – they must be requested through AIMs only when the Clerk decides that the issue is significant or controversial and justifies a Hansard report.

View an example of a Hansard report

Always choose 'Other'

In here, type: Consideration of subordinate legislation

Save and close when done

Provide approximate timings of consideration of SR during meeting

Download Hansard report from Committee for Health's consideration of Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel, Operator Liability and Information to Passengers) (Revocation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022 (PDF, 2 pages, 35KB) If the link doesn't open for you automatically, right click on it and select 'Save link as...' to download the document to your device.

Tick 'Hansard Required' Box

Provide Title of Hansard Transcript (this is usually the title of SR).

Step 8

Prepare the SR section of the Chairperson's Brief

View examples of a Chairperson's brief

What should be included in a Chairperson's brief

The information to be included in the Chair’s Brief for SRs may vary from Committee to Committee depending on Clerk/Chair preference, but generally should include:

The full title & Number of SR
A short outline of the policy intent of the SR (this can be useful when there are a number of SRs on the agenda)
The Committee’s agreed position on the SL1
Relevant background information/correspondence related to SR
Findings in respect of the ESR’s scrutiny of the SR
The formal question on the SR

Other information that may be required:

Details of witnesses where a briefing is required
Departmental responses to issues raised at the SL1 stage

Examples of Chairperson's briefs Download Chairperson's brief on SR 2020/25 The Provision of Health Services to Persons Not Ordinarily Resident (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 (PDF, 1 page, 92KB) Download Chairperson's brief on SR 2020/16 The Food Safety (Information and Compositional Requirements) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 (PDF, 2 pages, 67KB) Download Chairperson's brief on SR 2020/224 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (Amendment No. 9) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 (PDF, 2 pages, 48KB) If the links do not open for you automatically, right click and select 'Save link as...' to download the document to your device.

Step 9

Prepare a cover note for the SR

A cover note will summarise the policy intent of the SR and remind Members of the Committee's previous consideration. It will also highlight the Examiner of Statutory Rule's comments.

Download a cover note template

Download a template cover note (Word document, 2 pages, 167KB) If the link doesn't open for you automatically, right click on it and select 'Save link as...' to download the document to your device.

Add the address and contact details for the Committee:

Detail the specific SR in the subject line:

Outline the background and purpose.

Complete every field in the table to provide all the relevant information about the statutory rule.

Detail which procedure is the statutory rule subject to.

Step 10

At the meeting, the Committee must decide if it is content with the SR before them.

Play the video to watch a committee consider an SR

The Agriculture Committee discussing SL1s in relation to direct payments to farmers

Step 11

Next actions

Yes

There are a number of possible actions required after the committee meeting, depending on the type of Assembly resolution procedure the SR is subject to, and the outcome of the committee’s consideration.

Negative Procedure

Yes

Affirmative and Confirmatory Resolution, draft SRs

Is the committee content?

These actions set out what to do if the Committee wishes to annul the SR:

Record committee’s decision in the MoPs

Prepare a Prayer of Annulment motion

View an example

Advise Business Office and DALO

Prepare speech for Chairperson

View a sample speech

A prayer of annulment, signed by the Chairperson, should be tabled in the Business Office as soon as possible for scheduling by the Business Committee. The Business Office will accept motions by email. It is advised to phone the Clerk of Business to give notice of the Committee’s decision. Example wording: Motion Title: Prayer of Annulment: The Taxi Licensing Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014 (SR 2014/302) Motion Text: That the Taxi Licensing Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014 (SR 2014/302) be annulled. Signed: Chairperson of the Committee for the Environment (scanned signed signature)

View an example of the speech by the Chairperson of the Committee for the Environment to support the annulment of SR 2014/302 The Taxi Licensing Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014 at the plenary meeting on 2 February 2015. https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2015/02/02&docID=221588

Find out how to table a Prayer of Annulment [Link back to previous ref to Prayer of Annulment, link to Staff Guide] Download a template motion for a Prayer of Annulment (Word document, 1 page, 30KB) Download a template memo to the Business Office asking for a Statutory Rule to be annulled (Word document, 1 page, 55KB)

Example email: The Committee for the Environment considered SR 2014/302 The Taxi Licensing Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014 at its meeting on 15 January 2015 and and recommends that it be annulled by the Assembly. Please find attached a Prayer of Annulment signed by the Committee Chairperson. It is requested that the Business Committee schedule this debate before the end of the statutory period.

These actions set out what to do if the Committee wishes to annul the SR:

Tabling a Prayer of Annulment

Advise Business Office and DALO of Committee's decision

View a sample email

View a Prayer of Annulment

Record Committee's decision in Minutes of Proceedings

Prepare speech for Chairperson

View examples and the wording to use when recording the Committee's decision

View a sample speech

Sample emails: To DALO: RE: SR 2019/42 The Provision of Healthcare Services to Persons Not Ordinarily Resident (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2019 The Committee for Health considered the above Statutory Rule (SR) at its meetings on 23 January 2020, 6 February 2020 and most recently at its meeting today, 13 February 2020. Although the Committee understands that the operational date of the SR has been deferred until 31 December to allow the Rule to be reviewed and amended before commencement, concerns about the Rule remain and at today’s meeting the Committee agreed a motion to annul the Regulations. The following motion has been lodged with the Business Office for consideration and scheduling at the next Business Committee meeting: “That the Provision of Healthcare Services to Persons Not Ordinarily Resident (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2019 (SR 2019/42) be annulled. To Business Office: The Health Committee considered SR 2019/42 Provision of Healthcare Services to Persons Not Ordinarily Resident (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2019 at its meeting on 13 February 2020 and has agreed a motion to annul the Regulations. A signed motion was submitted to the Business Office yesterday for consideration and scheduling by the Business Committee. For information the end of the Statutory period in respect of this Rule is 25 February 2020.

This is the form of words that you should use to record the Committee's decision: Question put and agreed: That the Committee for…… has considered [Title and Number of Statutory Rule] and recommends that it be annulled by the Assembly Download examples from Committee for Health minutes of Proceedings (PDF, 3 pages, 107KB) Download a template that you can use for minutes of proceedings (Word document, 1 page, 95KB) If the links do not open for you automatically, right click and select 'Save link as...' to download the document to your device.

Sample speeches: Speaking notes for the Chairman of the Committee for Justice for the Draft Domestic Abuse Information-sharing with Schools etc. Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022(PDF, 10 pages, 135KB) Speaking notes for the Chairman of the Committee for Justice for the motion on the Rehabilitation of Offenders (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 (PDF, 13 pages, 138KB) Speaking notes for the Chairman of the Committee for Justice for the Draft Police Act 1997 (Criminal Record Certificates: Relevant Matters) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 (PDF, 6 pages, 130KB) If the links do not open for you automatically, right click and select 'Save link as...' to download the document to your device.

These actions set out what to do if the Committee wishes to annul the SR:

Tabling a Prayer of Annulment

Advise Business Office and DALO of Committee's decision

View a sample email

View a Prayer of Annulment

Record Committee's decision in Minutes of Proceedings

Prepare speech for Chairperson

View examples and the wording to use when recording the Committee's decision

View a sample speech

Actions required if committee is content:

Record Committee's decision in MOPs

Example email:Question put and agreed: That the Committee for Health has considered SR 2020/34 The Recovery of Health Services Charges (Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 at its meeting today and had no objection to the Rule.

See example of MoPS where ESR's report is available

See example of MOPS pending ESR's report

Advise Business Office and DALO

Actions required if committee is content:

Record Committee's decision in MOPs

Advise Business Office and DALO

Example:SR 2020/34 The Recovery of Health Service Charges (Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 The Committee considered SR 2020/34 The Recovery of Health Service Charges (Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 which applies an inflationary uplift to the current tariff levels used for the collection of costs incurred by hospitals when treating casualties of road traffic collisions. Agreed: The Committee for Health has considered SR 2020/34 The Recovery of Health Service Charges (Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 and had no objection to the Rule. Example pending ESR’s report: Agreed: The Committee for Health considered SR 2020/34 The Recovery of Health Service Charges (Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules’ report, had no objection to the Rule.

Actions required for Affirmative/Draft Affirmative and Confirmatory Resolution if Committee is not content with the SR:

Advise DALO and Business Office of Committee's decision by email

Prepare speech for Chairperson

Record Committee's decision in Minutes of Proceedings as follows (note the difference in wording for each type of procedure)

View a sample email

View a sample speech

View examples and wording to use when recording the Committee's decision

Sample email: The Committee for Health has considered SR 2020/34 The Recovery of Health Services Charges (Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 at its meeting today and recommends that it not be affirmed by the Assembly.

Sample speech: Speaking notes for the Chairman of the Committee for Justice for the Draft Domestic Abuse Information-sharing with Schools etc. Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022(PDF, 10 pages, 135KB) Speaking notes for the Chairman of the Committee for Justice for the motion on the Rehabilitation of Offenders (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 (PDF, 13 pages, 138KB) Speaking notes for the Chairman of the Committee for Justice for the Draft Police Act 1997 (Criminal Record Certificates: Relevant Matters) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 (PDF, 6 pages, 130KB) If the links do not open for you automatically, right click and select 'Save link as...' to download the document to your device.

For Affirmative/draft affirmative resolution: Question put and agreed: That the Committee for… has considered the [Title and Number of Statutory Rule] and recommends that it not be affirmed by the Assembly. For Confirmatory resolution: Question put and agreed: That the Committee for… has considered the [Title and Number of Statutory Rule] and recommends that it not be approved by the Assembly. Download examples from Committee for Health minutes of Proceedings (PDF, 3 pages, 107KB) Download a template that you can use for minutes of proceedings (Word document, 1 page, 95KB) If the links do not open for you automatically, right click and select 'Save link as...' to download the document to your device.

Actions required for Affirmative/Draft Affirmative and Confirmatory Resolution if Committee is content with the SR:

Advise DALO and Business Office

Prepare speech for Chairperson

Record Committee's decision in Minutes of Proceedings as follows (note the difference in wording for each type of procedure)

View a sample email

View a sample speech

View examples and wording to use when recording the Committee's decision

Sample email: The Committee for Health considered SR 2020/34 The Recovery of Health Service Charges (Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 at its meeting today and recommends that it be affirmed by the Assembly.

Speaking notes for the Chairman Chairperson of the Committee for Justice for the Draft Domestic Abuse Information-sharing with Schools etc Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022 (PDF, 10 pages, 135 KB) [Link needed to pdf] If the links do not open for you automatically, right click and select ‘Save link as . . . ‘ to download the document to your device

For Affirmative/draft affirmative resolution: Question put and agreed: That the Committee for… has considered the [Title and Number of Statutory Rule] and recommends that it be affirmed by the Assembly.’ For Confirmatory resolution: Question put and agreed: That the Committee for… has considered the [Title and Number of Statutory Rule] and recommends that it be approved by the Assembly. Download examples from Committee for Health minutes of Proceedings (PDF, 3 pages, 107KB) Download a template that you can use for minutes of proceedings (Word document, 1 page, 95KB) If the links do not open for you automatically, right click and select 'Save link as...' to download the document to your device.

Step 12

Checklist of post-meeting actions

Advise the DALO and the Business Office of the Committee's decision
Forward correspondence as required eg to DALO
Record the Committee's decision in the Minutes of Proceedings
Update the SR Tracker
Lay motion with Business Office if required for Prayer of Annulment
Prepare Chairperson's speech if required

SR stage complete

The Committee's consideration of the Statutory Rule is now complete

You can now put your knowledge to the test by doing our SL1 / SR quiz

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Quiz

Put your knowledge to the test with our multiple choice SL1 and SR quiz

Question 1/7

The Assembly Procedure the proposed SR will be subject to

The end of the statutory period to consider the proposed SR

The purpose of the proposed SR

Quiz

Which of the following will NOT be found in a SL1 letter?

Statutory Letters (SL1)

Correct!

The end of the statutory period to consider the proposed SR is not included

Question 1/7

Quiz

Oops!

The end of the statutory period to consider the proposed SR is not included in an SL1 letter.

Quiz

Wrong!

Everyone in the team can see the progress of SRs at a glance

So the Committee Members can see details of SR progress

It looks good for the Clerk

Quiz

Why is it important to have a SR Tracker in the Committee Office?

Statutory Letters (SL1)

Question 2/7

Correct!

It is important that everyone in the team can see the progress of SRs at a glance.

Question 2/7

Quiz

Oops!

It's important that everyone in the team can see the progress of SRs at a glance.

Quiz

Wrong!

You don’t need to save it anywhere

In your Committee S Drive

In your Email Archive

Quiz

Where do you save the SL1 letter once it has been received in the Committee Office?

Statutory Letters (SL1)

Question 3/7

Correct!

It gets saved in your Committee's S drive.

Question 3/7

Quiz

Oops!

It needs to be saved in your Committee's S drive.

Quiz

Wrong!

The Minister

Departmental Officials directly

The Departmental Assembly Liaison Officer (DALO)

Quiz

If the Committee wants an oral briefing on an SL1 who should you contact?

Statutory Letters (SL1)

Question 4/7

Correct!

You get in touch with the Departmental Assembly Liaison Officer (DALO).

Question 4/7

Quiz

Oops!

You need to get in touch with the Departmental Assembly Liaison Officer (DALO).

Quiz

Wrong!

Position in Great Britain

Quiz

Which of the following is generally NOT included in a SL1 Cover Note?

Statutory Letters (SL1)

Question 5/7

Regulatory Impact

Operational Date

The name of the DALO

Correct!

The name of the DALO is not included in the cover note.

Question 5/7

Quiz

Oops!

The name of the DALO is not included in the cover note.

Quiz

Wrong!

Quiz

How do you add the SL1 papers to the Committee Electronic Meeting pack?

Statutory Letters (SL1)

Question 6/7

Through the Members’ Portal

Via Sharepoint

Via Email to the Business Office

Correct!

You need to check that they are content with the SL1.

Question 6/7

Quiz

Oops!

You need to ask if they are content with the SL1.

Quiz

Wrong!

If they are content with the SL1?

If they have any interests to declare?

If they wish to annul the SL1?

Quiz

What question should Members be asked in the Chair's Brief when considering the SL1?

Statutory Letters (SL1)

Question 7/7

Correct!

You need to check that they are content with the SL1.

Question 6/7

Quiz

Oops!

You need to ask if they are content with the SL1.

Quiz

Wrong!

Minutes of proceedings of the Committee meeting when the SL1 was agreed

Email from the Committee Office indicating that the Committee is content with the SL1

SL5 Letter

Quiz

Which of the following will the Department lay in the Assembly Business Office?

Statutory Rules (SR)

Question 1/6

Correct!

The Department will lay an SL5 Letter in the Business Office.

Question 1/6

Quiz

Oops!

The Department will lay an SL5 Letter in the Business Office.

Quiz

Wrong!

The ESR emails the SR to the Committee Office / Business Office

The ESR presents the SR to the Committee

The ESR carries out the technical scrutiny of SRs

Quiz

What role does the Examiner of Statutory Rules play in relation to Committee’s consideration of Statutory Rules?

Statutory Rules (SR)

Question 2/6

Correct!

The ESR carries out the technical scrutiny of SRs.

Question 2/6

Quiz

Oops!

The ESR carries out the technical scrutiny of SRs.

Quiz

Wrong!

Correct!

Positive Resolution is not a type of Assembly Procedure.

Question 3/6

Quiz

Negative Resolution

Quiz

Which of the following is NOT a type of Assembly Procedure?

Statutory Rules (SR)

Question 3/6

Positive Resolution

Affirmative Resolution

Confirmatory Procedure

Oops!

Positive Resolution is not a type of Assembly Procedure.

Quiz

Wrong!

Quiz

What is the statutory period of time during which the Assembly can annul a SR which is subject to the negative resolution procedure?

Statutory Rules (SR)

Question 4/6

8 days on which the Assembly has sat

15 working days

30 calendar days

Correct!

The Assembly has 30 calendar days to annul a SR which is subject to the negative resolution procedure.

Question 4/6

Quiz

Oops!

The Assembly has 30 calendar days to annul a SR which is subject to the negative resolution procedure.

Quiz

Wrong!

Quiz

Which of the following details would generally NOT be added to the SR Tracker when the SR is first laid in the Business Office?

Statutory Rules (SR)

Question 5/6

Date of the ESR Report

End of the Statutory Period

SR Number

Correct!

The date of the ESR Report does NOT need to be added to the SR Tracker when the SR is first laid.

Question 5/6

Quiz

Oops!

The date of the ESR Report does NOT need to be added to the SR Tracker when the SR is first laid.

Quiz

Wrong!

Quiz

When should an SR be scheduled for consideration at a Committee meeting?

Statutory Rules (SR)

Question 6/6

Before the end of the Statutory Period and when the ESR has reported

The day before the end of the Statutory Period

Within 5 working days of it being laid

Correct!

Before the end of the Statutory Period and when the ESR has reported.

Question 6/6

Quiz

Oops!

It should be scheduled before the end of the Statutory Period and when the ESR has reported.

Quiz

Wrong!

Guidance complete!

Example pending ESR’s report:Agreed: The Committee for Health considered SR 2020/34 The Recovery of Health Service Charges (Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules’ report, had no objection to the Rule.

Deirdre's version: SL1 and Statutory Rules - Committee 'How-to' guide

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