Northern Ireland Act 1998

Committee Inquiries: InitiationU.K.

[F18.(1)Following receipt of a notification under paragraph 6(1)(b) the Committee must decide—

(a)whether or not to hold an inquiry into the replacement EU act which was the subject of the notification, or

(b)whether or not to continue an inquiry begun in accordance with paragraph 7(2) in relation to the replacement EU act which was the subject of the notification.

(2)In reaching a decision under sub-paragraph (1), the Committee—

(a)must have regard to whether it appears likely that the replacement EU act–

(i)significantly differs (in whole or in part) from the content or scope of the EU instrument which it amends or replaces, and

(ii)would have a significant impact specific to everyday life of communities in Northern Ireland in a way that is liable to persist, and

(b)may have regard to any other matters the Committee considers appropriate.

(3)A decision under sub-paragraph (1) must be made no later than five working days after the day on which the notification is made.

(4)The Committee must publish any decision made in accordance with this paragraph.

(5)A failure to make a decision in accordance with this paragraph is to be treated as a decision not to hold an inquiry or not to continue an inquiry which had already begun, as the case may be.]