Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O’Neill has welcomed the approval of the new legislation that will safeguard the needs of rural communities.
The Bill was brought forward by the Minister after consulting with her rural stakeholders who unanimously supported her proposals.
Speaking after the Rural Needs Bill passed it final stage following a debate in the Assembly today, the Minister said: “I am delighted that I have been able to secure this important legislation that will safeguard the needs of our rural communities.
“The Rural Needs Bill requires that rural needs are appropriately taken into account by public authorities in policy-making and service delivery. The Assembly has shown its commitment to rural communities by becoming one of the first legislatures in the world to place a statutory duty on rural proofing.”
The Minister added: “The Bill passed by the Assembly today represents an important opportunity for government to promote a fair and inclusive society, where rural dwellers enjoy the same quality of life as all others in the north.
“I firmly believe that the Bill will support our vision of thriving, sustainable rural communities and, at this time of unprecedented financial constraints, will ensure that decisions about the allocation of financial resources are as well informed as possible.”
The Rural Needs Bill enhances the current rural proofing arrangements by requiring policy makers in public authorities to take the needs of rural dwellers into account when developing and implementing policies and when designing and delivering public services. The Executive committed to undertaking rural proofing in 2002 and reaffirmed that commitment in 2009.
The Bill makes provision for a statutory monitoring and reporting mechanism, which will result in greater transparency and increased availability of information about rural proofing within government.
It also strengthens DARD’s role to support policy makers through the provision of information and guidance about rural needs, and provides for arrangements to be made that will ensure a more collaborative approach within government to the meeting of those needs.
