The Department for the Economy (DfE) has responsibility for ensuring that Northern Ireland Departments operate good regulatory and enforcement practices.

DfE's role

DfE commits to the principles of better regulation in policy-making and will utilise the full range of relevant impact assessment tools as part of policy and strategy development.

There are eight principles of Better Regulation:

  • proportionality
  • accountability
  • consistency
  • transparency
  • targeted
  • collaboration
  • support
  • regard for economic growth

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

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