SCHEDULES
SCHEDULE 2Improving the natural environment: Northern Ireland
PART 2Policy statement on environmental principles
I1I26Policy statement on environmental principles
1
The Department must prepare a policy statement on environmental principles in accordance with this paragraph and paragraph 7.
2
A “policy statement on environmental principles” is a statement explaining how the environmental principles should be interpreted and proportionately applied—
a
by Northern Ireland departments when making policy, and
b
by Ministers of the Crown when making policy so far as relating to Northern Ireland.
3
It may also explain how Northern Ireland departments and Ministers of the Crown, when interpreting and applying the environmental principles, should take into account other considerations relevant to their policy.
4
The Department must be satisfied that the statement will, when it comes into effect, contribute to—
a
the improvement of environmental protection, and
b
sustainable development.
5
In this Schedule “environmental principles” means the following principles—
a
the principle that environmental protection should be integrated into the making of policies,
b
the principle of preventative action to avert environmental damage,
c
the precautionary principle, so far as relating to the environment,
d
the principle that environmental damage should as a priority be rectified at source, and
e
the polluter pays principle.