Consultation update
Details of significant consultation exercises currently being carried out by government departments and other public sector bodies in Northern Ireland. Queries on individual consultations should be referred to the organisation concerned, as outlined.
Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister
Childcare strategy
Opened 28 July
The Executive’s Childcare Strategy is a ten year plan to develop and deliver affordable, high quality and integrated childcare services. It aims to provide all children with the best start in preparation for lifelong wellbeing and achievement, and also to enable parents to join or re-join the workforce. This consultation is seeking public contributions in relation to the 22 proposed actions of the strategy.
Comments and responses should be submitted by 13 November to: Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, Childcare Strategy Team, Room E3.18, Castle Buildings, Stormont Estate, Belfast, BT4 3SR
Tel: 028 9052 8659
Email: childcare.consultation@ofmdfmni.gov.uk
Questionnaire: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Childcare-Consultation
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Geological storage of carbon monoxide
Opened 11 June
The Carbon Capture and Storage European Directive entered into force in 2009 and is aimed at mitigating climate change with implementation largely at UK level. This consultation considers the steps already taken and seeks views on further directive-related proposals which the Department believes are necessary to meet Northern Ireland’s commitments.
Comments and responses should be submitted by 2 October to: Minerals and Petroleum Branch, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Dundonald House, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3SB
Tel: 028 9052 0995
Email: minerals@detini.gov.uk
Email: telecomspolicyunit@detini.gov.uk
Department for Employment and Learning
Further education strategy
Opened 10 July
The department wishes to obtain the views of stakeholders on a series of policy commitments which could help shape the future of further education strategy. The policy commitments are interlinked with a number of themes including economic development, social inclusion, the international sphere and college sustainability.
Comments and responses should be submitted by 2 October to: Further Education Strategy Programme Branch, Department for Employment and Learning, Adelaide House, Room 203, 39-49 Adelaide Street, BT2 8FD
Tel: 028 9025 7630
Email: festrategyprogrammebranch@delni.gov.uk
Employment tribunals
Opened 3 July
This consultation requests feedback on updated regulations and procedural rules, as well as the development of guidance materials for individuals attending industrial or fair employment tribunal. Responses will contribute to policy development which will in turn provide tribunal users with a clearer understanding of the role played by this avenue of redress, what is required and how to most effectively present a case.
Comments and responses should be submitted by 25 September to: Employment law Review: Tribunal Reform, Employment Relations Policy and Legislation Branch, 1st Floor, Waterfront Plaza, 8 Laganbank Road, Belfast, BT1 3LY
Tel: 028 9025 7580
Email: employment.rights@delni.gov.uk
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Horse racing fund and charges on bookmakers
Opened 2 July
The purpose of this consultation is to collate views on the future rate for charges on both on-course and off-course bookmakers. These charges are paid into the horse racing fund administered by DARD and used to use to support the two local racecourses at Downpatrick and Down Royal.
Comments and responses should be submitted by 2 October to: Andrew Adams, Farm Policy Branch, Room 919, Dundonald House, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3SB
Tel: 028 9052 0866
Email: farmpolicybranch@dardni.gov.uk
Department of Environment
Exemptions from waste management licensing
Opened 15 June
The Department is conducting a review into the list of exemptions from 2003 waste management regulations. The consultation is inviting views in an effort to ensure that the exemptions are up to date, fit for purpose and support proportionate and risk-based waste management regulation.
Comments and responses should be submitted by 25 September to: Waste and Radioactivity Team, Department of the Environment, Environmental Policy Division, Goodwood House, 44-58 May Street, Town Parks, Belfast, BT1 4NN
Tel: 028 9025 4875
Email: wdrt@doeni.gov.uk
Department of Justice
Criminal record filtering
Opened 18 June
The Department is requesting views on draft guidance outlining the operation procedures of a review mechanism for AccessNI’s criminal records filtering scheme. In certain circumstances, AccessNI can remove convictions or other information from a standard or enhanced criminal record disclosure certificate through a process known as filtering. The Justice Act (Northern Ireland) makes provision to allow a person to seek a review of the information remaining on the certificate after the filtering process has been applied.
Comments and responses should be submitted by 24 September to: POCD Divisional Support Unit, Department of Justice, Room 4.17 Block B, Castle Buildings, Stormont Estate, Belfast, BT4 3SG
Tel: 028 9052 2643
Email: filteringreviewmechanism@dojni.x.gsi.gov.uk
Department of Finance and Personnel
There are no current consultations
Department for Regional Development
There are no current consultations
Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure
There are no current consultations
Department for Education
There are no current consultations
Department for Health, Social Services & Public Safety
There are no current consultations
