Question

Difficulty: MediumDevolved Powers in Northern Ireland

The Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont has the authority to legislate on specific policy areas known as 'transferred matters.' Which of the following is a transferred matter for which the Assembly is responsible?

  1. The environmentAnswer
  2. B
    Immigration
  3. C
    National defense
  4. D
    Foreign policy

Answer

The environment is a transferred matter for which the Northern Ireland Assembly is responsible.
The environment is classified as a 'transferred matter' under the system of devolution in Northern Ireland. This gives the Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont the legal authority to pass laws and set policies specifically for the region's natural surroundings, pollution control, and conservation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the legislative role of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
The Assembly at Stormont makes laws on 'transferred matters' which are local policy areas devolved from Westminster.
Understanding the division of powers is essential to determining which body handles specific issues.
2
Categorize the policy areas listed in the options.
The environment is a transferred matter. Immigration, defense, and foreign policy are excepted matters.
Life in the UK Test candidates must distinguish between local (devolved) and national (reserved/excepted) responsibilities.
3
Select the option that matches the 'transferred' category.
The environment is the correct choice.
It is the only policy area among the options that the Northern Ireland Assembly has the authority to legislate on.

Key Concept

The division of legislative power between the UK Parliament and the Northern Ireland Assembly (Transferred vs. Excepted matters).
Estimated Time:45s
Rate this question