In this Schedule—

• “current environmental improvement plan” has the meaning given by paragraph 1(8);

• the “Department” means the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland;

• “environmental improvement plan” has the meaning given by paragraph 1 (and see also paragraph 3(10));

• “environmental principles” has the meaning given by paragraph 6(5);

• “improving the natural environment”, in relation to an environmental improvement plan, is to be read in accordance with paragraph 1(5);

• “making” policy includes developing, adopting or revising policy;

• “Minister of the Crown” has the same meaning as in the Ministers of the Crown Act 1975;

• “policy” includes proposals for legislation, but does not include an administrative decision taken in relation to a particular person or case (for example, a decision on an application for planning permission, funding or a licence, or a decision about regulatory enforcement);

• “policy statement on environmental principles” has the meaning given by paragraph 6.

Section 41(3) of the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954 (c. 33 (N.I.)) applies in relation to the laying of a document before the Northern Ireland Assembly under this Schedule, as it applies in relation to the laying of a statutory document under an Act of the Northern Ireland Assembly.