Better Regulation and Simplification Review

Summary:

DARD/DOE Better Regulation Review

The overall aim of the Better Regulation and Simplification Review was to improve the way in which the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) and the Department of Environment (DOE) operate to meet their regulatory policy objectives and EU obligations, so that compliance by the agrifood sector is facilitated and the cost of compliance is reduced.

An independent panel, comprising Mr Michael Dowling (Chair), Mr David Graham and Dr Brian Jack, was appointed to undertake the Review and report on the main administrative burdens falling on the agri-food sector, make proposals to simplify existing regulations and suggest how new policy could be screened to minimise burdens in the future. The Panel has now completed this task and a final report ‘Northern Ireland Agri-Food Better Regulation and Simplification Review’ is published here.

DARD and DOE will now give careful consideration to the issues raised in the report and respond separately to the recommendations. As part of this process, stakeholder views and comments on the report would be welcomed. Input to either Department should be sent to the DARD Better Regulation Unit in the first instance at the contact points indicated below. Correspondence should be clearly marked for the attention of DARD, DOE or both Departments.

Comments submitted should be sent to the address or email below:

The closing date for the submission of views is 30 September 2009.