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Question

Difficulty: MediumDevolved Powers in Northern Ireland

In the system of devolution for Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Assembly has the authority to make laws on 'transferred matters.' However, certain areas are classified as 'excepted matters' and remain the responsibility of the UK Parliament. Which of the following is an 'excepted matter' that is NOT devolved to the Northern Ireland Assembly?

  1. Immigration and nationalityAnswer
  2. B
    Agriculture and fisheries
  3. C
    Education and training
  4. D
    Health and social services

Answer

Immigration and nationality is an excepted matter and remains the responsibility of the UK Parliament at Westminster.
The correct answer is immigration and nationality because it is an 'excepted matter.' In the Northern Ireland devolution framework, excepted matters are those of national or international importance—such as defense, foreign policy, and immigration—that remain the sole responsibility of the UK Parliament at Westminster.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the definitions of 'transferred' and 'excepted' matters in Northern Ireland.
Transferred matters are devolved to the Northern Ireland Assembly, while excepted matters are retained by the UK Parliament.
This establishes the boundary of legislative power between Stormont and Westminster.
2
Categorize the provided options into these two groups.
Agriculture, education, and health are local services (transferred), while immigration is a national-level concern.
Matters that affect the whole of the UK uniformly, such as border control and defense, are typically not devolved.
3
Select the option that matches the 'excepted matter' category.
Immigration and nationality is the correct choice.
It is specifically listed as an area where the Northern Ireland Assembly does not have legislative power.

Key Concept

The distinction between transferred (devolved) and excepted/reserved (non-devolved) powers in the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Practice More

Review the differences between 'excepted' and 'reserved' matters in Northern Ireland to understand which powers could potentially be devolved in the future.
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Devolved Powers in Northern Ireland