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Question

Difficulty: MediumDevolved Powers in Northern Ireland

Under the system of devolution, certain policy areas are classified as 'transferred matters' for which the local administration in Northern Ireland has legislative authority. Which of these is an example of a transferred matter?

  1. Social servicesAnswer
  2. B
    International relations
  3. C
    The armed forces
  4. D
    Currency and coinage

Answer

Social services is a transferred matter under the authority of the devolved administration in Northern Ireland.
The correct answer is correct because social services is one of the key areas, along with education and health, that have been transferred to the Northern Ireland Assembly (Stormont) for local management. The Assembly has the authority to create legislation specifically for Northern Ireland in these sectors.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the context of the question.
The question asks for a 'transferred matter' specifically within the context of Northern Ireland's devolution.
Understanding the terminology is the first step to distinguishing between local and central powers.
2
Recall the list of devolved policy areas for Northern Ireland.
Key areas include education, agriculture, the environment, health, and social services.
These are the primary sectors where the local assembly has the power to pass its own laws.
3
Evaluate the options against reserved or excepted powers.
International relations, the armed forces, and currency are all national issues managed at Westminster, whereas social services is handled locally.
Reserved powers affect the whole of the UK, while transferred matters are local to the devolved nation.

Key Concept

Transferred matters are specific policy areas, such as health and social services, where the Northern Ireland Assembly (Stormont) has the authority to make laws.
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Devolved Powers in Northern Ireland