Public has no say in laws, claim

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/6149528.stm

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The government is not obliged to consult with the public in Northern Ireland before making new legislation, it has been claimed.

The comment came in the closing stages of a court case on how laws were drawn up, allowing water charges to be introduced next April.

A lawyer for the Department of Regional Development said there was no duty on it to consult with the public.

It was argued that government could not fully consult with all the population.

Alarm

The argument was put forward in answer to claims by the Northern Ireland Consumer Council that the government's public consultation into the new water legislation, held during the summer, was flawed.

BBC NI Investigation Correspondent Mike McKimm said it was an argument that may alarm some organisations and lobbying groups in Northern Ireland.

"As it stand, much of Northern Ireland's legislation that goes through Westminster, does so without any scrutiny," he said.

"If public consultations were to be abandoned because they were not legally required, it could reduce public involvement in the legislative process to a minimum until the assembly returns."