Question

Difficulty: MediumDevolved Powers in Northern Ireland

In the UK's system of devolution, the Northern Ireland Assembly has the authority to pass laws on policy areas specifically 'transferred' to it. Which of the following is an example of a transferred matter for which the Northern Ireland Assembly is responsible?

  1. AgricultureAnswer
  2. B
    National defense
  3. C
    Immigration and nationality
  4. D
    The management of the legal system in Scotland

Answer

Agriculture is a transferred matter handled by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
The correct answer is agriculture because it is a 'transferred matter.' In the Northern Ireland devolution settlement, responsibilities for local services such as agriculture, education, and health are transferred to the Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the relationship between the UK Parliament and the Northern Ireland Assembly.
The UK Parliament handles 'excepted' and 'reserved' matters, while the Northern Ireland Assembly handles 'transferred' matters.
This distinction defines which body has the legislative authority for a specific policy area.
2
Evaluate the listed policy areas against the category of 'transferred matters'.
Agriculture, education, health, and the environment are transferred matters. Defense and immigration are excepted matters.
Correctly categorizing the policy area determines if the local Assembly at Stormont can pass laws on it.
3
Select the option that matches the definition of a transferred matter for Northern Ireland.
Agriculture is the correct transferred matter.
It is one of the specific areas devolved to the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Key Concept

Transferred vs. Excepted Matters in Northern Ireland
Estimated Time:45s
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