Government of 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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 11 December 2009 regarding: Sea Fisheries (Jersey) Law 1994 - commissioning of amendments.

Decision Reference: MD-E-2009-0217
Decision Summary Title :	Commissioning amendments to the Sea Fisheries (Jersey) Law 1994		Date of Decision Summary:	27/11/09
Decision Summary Author:	Senior Fisheries Inspector		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:	n/a
Written Report Title :	Commissioning amendments to the Sea Fisheries (Jersey) Law 1994		Date of Written Report:	27/11/09
Written Report Author:	Senior Fisheries Inspector		Written Report : Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Subject: Commissioning of two minor amendments to the Sea Fisheries (Jersey) Law 1994
Decision(s): The Minister gave approval to the commissioning of two minor amendments to the Sea Fisheries (Jersey) Law 1994
Reason(s) for Decision: One amendment to the Law is necessary to enable the Minister to introduce appropriate fisheries management measures in a more efficient and timely manner. A further minor amendment is required to increase the authority of Fishery Officers to inspect catches and equipment onboard boats.
Resource Implications: The first amendment, if adopted, is likely to lead to a reduction in the use of law drafting and other administrative resources. There are no other resource implications.
Action required: The Senior Fisheries Inspector is to submit law drafting instructions to the Senior Law Draftsman.
Signature: Senator Alan Maclean		Position: Minister for Economic Development
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):