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Question

Difficulty: HardDevolved Powers in Northern Ireland

Legislative authority in Northern Ireland is divided into three distinct categories: transferred, reserved, and excepted matters. The Northern Ireland Assembly is responsible for passing laws on those in the 'transferred' category. Which of the following sets of responsibilities contains only policy areas that are currently classified as transferred matters?

  1. Education, agriculture, and health and social servicesAnswer
  2. B
    National defense, immigration, and international relations
  3. C
    The regulation of firearms, merchant shipping, and nuclear energy
  4. D
    Taxation, currency, and the appointment of senior judges

Answer

The set containing education, agriculture, and health and social services is the correct choice, as these are all 'transferred matters' under the authority of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
The Northern Ireland Assembly has legislative authority over 'transferred matters,' which include key local services such as education, agriculture, the environment, and health and social services. These areas allow the Assembly to address the specific needs of the Northern Ireland population.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the meaning of 'transferred matters'.
Transferred matters are the specific policy areas where the Northern Ireland Assembly has the power to legislate.
The question asks specifically for matters devolved (transferred) to the local assembly.
2
Distinguish between transferred, reserved, and excepted matters.
Transferred matters include local services (education, health); reserved matters are held by Westminster but could be devolved (firearms, shipping); excepted matters are permanent Westminster powers (defense, foreign policy).
Correct categorization is required to exclude options that contain national or reserved powers.
3
Evaluate the provided sets of policy areas.
The combination of education, agriculture, and health consists entirely of transferred matters.
Other options include items like defense (excepted) or firearms (reserved).

Key Concept

Devolved (Transferred) vs. Reserved and Excepted Powers in Northern Ireland
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Devolved Powers in Northern Ireland