Better Regulation

Since 2001, Northern Ireland Departments have been operating under the Better Regulation Strategy.  The Strategy was introduced by the then Northern Ireland Executive to minimise the burden of red tape on business.

Better Regulation does not necessarily mean less regulation - Indeed if we are to learn anything from the current global economic situation, it is the importance of having good regulation that is fit for purpose and up to date.  The aim is to have regulation that achieves the necessary policy outcomes without any unnecessary or disproportionate burdens.

DARD has committed to a Public Service Agreement (PSA) Target to reduce the administrative burden on the agri-food sector by 25% by 2013 - with an interim target of 15% by 2011.  This will require the development of an Action Plan with objectives and timelines that relate to the PSA Target.  Progress towards these targets will be monitored on an annual basis from 2010 onward.

DARD is committed to the five guiding principles of Better Regulation, in informing the development of new regulations or amendments to existing regulations and the delivery of these regulations