Extension of ratification of the Kyoto Protocol to Jersey.

Information about the publication of Ministerial Decisions

A formal published “Ministerial Decision” is required as a record of the decision of a Minister (or an Assistant Minister where they have delegated authority) as they exercise their responsibilities and powers.

Ministers are elected by the States Assembly and have legal responsibilities and powers as “corporation sole” under the States of Jersey Law 2005 by virtue of their office and in their areas of responsibility, including entering into agreements, and under any legislation conferring on them powers.

An accurate record of “Ministerial Decisions” is vital to effective governance, including:

demonstrating that good governance, and clear lines of accountability and authority, are in place around decisions-making – including the reasons and basis on which a decision is made, and the action required to implement a decision
providing a record of decisions and actions that will be available for examination by States Members, and Panels and Committees of the States Assembly; the public, organisations, and the media; and as a historical record and point of reference for the conduct of public affairs

Ministers are individually accountable to the States Assembly, including for the actions of the departments and agencies which discharge their responsibilities.

The Freedom of Information Law (Jersey) Law 2011 is used as a guide when determining what information is be published. While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.

A decision made (12/04/2006) regarding Extension of the Ratification of the Kyoto Protocol to Jersey.

Subject:	Extension of ratification of the Kyoto Protocol to Jersey
Decision Reference:	MD-PE-2006-0047		Exempt clause(s):
Type of Report: (oral or written)	Written		Person Giving Report (if oral):
Telephone or e-mail Meeting?			Report File ref:	WR-Environ-MD-PE-2006-0047-Kyoto Protocol
Written report – Title	Jersey’s ratification of the Kyoto Protocol
Written report – Author (name and job title)	Sarah Le Claire, Policy Manager, Environment Division
Decision(s):  To request that the Chief Minister consider this request and make the necessary steps to request extension.
Reason(s) for decision: To date, Jersey has maintained the position that whilst supportive of the Kyoto Protocol it did not wish to have it extended on the Island’s behalf (latest correspondence 12th August 2005) as it was unable to comply with obligations within the Protocol. The UK is keen for the Protocol to be extended to all devolved administrations and, with a number of initiatives now planned or in place, Jersey is now in a position to ask for extension of ratification. Signing up to the Protocol will also help to meet a number of key objectives within the States Strategic Plan 2005-2010, most notably Strategic Aim Five: Protecting the Physical Environment (5.5) and Strategic Aim Six: Stronger self-belief and international identity (6.1 and 6.2)
Action required: Minister to request that the Chief Minister consider this request and make the necessary steps to request extension. S. Le Claire to request letter from Defra through official channels confirming that any obligation upon the Government of Jersey for the reduction of emissions shall be as determined by the Government of Jersey, in conjunction with Her Majesty’s Government, to be what the Jersey can reasonably deliver.
Signature: (Minister/ Assistant Minister)		Date of Decision: 12 April 2006