United Nations Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Jersey Submission 2016

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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 10 February 2016:

Minister for External Relations Ministerial Decision Decision Summary			$C:\Users\heaneyr\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\7X4IX2IE\SOJ GOV LOGO MONO (00000003).jpg$
Ministerial decision reference: MD-ER-2016-0007
Decision summary title Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Decision summary author	International Treaties Manager	Is the decision summary public or exempt?		Public
Report title Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights – List of Issues – Jersey Submission 2016
Report author or name of person giving report	International Treaties Manager	Is the report public or exempt?		Exempt 41(1)(a)
Decision and reason for the decision The Minister for External Relations noted that the HM Government was in the process of preparing for scrutiny on the United Kingdom’s compliance with the United Nations International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to include responses from the Devolved Administrations, the Overseas Territories and the Crown Dependencies. The Minister recalled that the International Covenant was extended to the Island in 1976. The Minister having considered the Island’s response to the relevant “List of Issues”, decided that the Island’s submission should be submitted to HM Government accordingly.
Resource implications There are no financial or manpower implications.
Action required The International Treaties Manager to forward a copy of the “List of Issues” in respect of the ICESCR through official channels.
Signature		Position Minister for External Relations
Date signed 10 February 2016		Effective date of the decision