Research Papers 2012
Synopsis: Here you will find a list of Committee for Finance and Personnel research papers published during 2012.
Northern Ireland’s fiscal deficit in real terms
- Date: 20/12/2012 - Author: DFP
The Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP) recently published its latest estimate of Northern Ireland’s net fiscal balance. DFP’s publication presents estimates of the fiscal deficit for the years 2009-10 and 2010-11. The purpose of this short Briefing Note is to show the impact of presenting the figures for Northern Ireland’s net fiscal balance in real terms.
The quality of financial forecasting and Improving Spending Control
- Date: 18/12/2012 - Author: Colin Pidgeon
This Briefing Paper considers a recent analysis of financial forecasting provided to the Committee of Finance and Personnel by the Department of Finance and Personnel. In particular, it examines the requirements of a recent policy issued by the Treasury called Improving Spending Control. It suggests possible enhancements to the information provided to the Committee by the Department in the context of the requirements of that policy.
Prompt Payment of Invoices and New EU Directive
- Date: 18/12/2012 - Author: Gareth Brown
This briefing paper provides an overview of how the new EU Directive 2011/7/EU (2011 Directive) combating late payments on commercial transactions may impact existing UK legislation, which extends to Northern Ireland. The paper highlights: •aspects of the joint consultation launched in September 2012 by the Whitehall Department of Business, Industry and Skills (BIS) and the Scottish Government (joint consultation) on the 2011 Directive, including its context and provisions; •the UK legislative context, including an outline of existing legislation and its application in Northern Ireland and; •some potential issues for consideration in light of performance figures provided by Account NI, the body responsible for the processing and payment of invoices on behalf of government departments.
Financial forecasting performance data: scrutiny by committees
- Date: 11/12/2012 - Author: Colin Pidgeon
This research paper examines the forecasting of expenditure by departments. It explains the financial forecasting data that DFP provides to the Assembly, and makes some suggestions for committee scrutiny.
Equality Issues in Recruitment to the Northern Ireland Civil Service
- Date: 29/11/2012 - Author: Research and Information Service
This paper includes an analysis of recruitment competition outcomes in the Northern Ireland Civil Service and an examination of equality monitoring information made available by the Department of Finance and Personnel
House of Commons Public Administration Committee Report on Special Advisers
- Date: 07/11/2012 - Author: Michael Potter
In the context of the scrutiny of the Civil Service (Special Advisers) Bill 2012 by the Committee for Finance and Personnel, the House of Commons Public Administration Committee has published a report on its inquiry into political special advisers. This Briefing Note summarises the conclusions and recommendations of the report.
The Release of Prisoners as Part of the Belfast Agreement 1998
- Date: 07/11/2012 - Author: Michael Potter
This paper is written in the context of the consideration by the Committee for Finance and Personnel of the Civil Service (Special Advisers) Bill 2012, which includes a provision to exclude individuals with a serious criminal offence from the post of special adviser (Clause 2). In response to discussions within the Committee, this paper briefly summarises the circumstances and conditions of the release of prisoners as part of the Belfast Agreement 1998.
The Employment of Ex-Prisoners Released under the Belfast Agreement
- Date: 07/11/2012 - Author: Michael Potter
This paper is written in the context of the consideration by the Committee for Finance and Personnel of the Civil Service (Special Advisers) Bill 2012, which includes a provision to exclude individuals with a serious criminal offence from the post of special adviser (Clause 2). In response to discussions within the Committee, this paper briefly considers the effectiveness of guidance for the employment of prisoners released in relation to the Belfast Agreement.
Tax Incentives for Enterprise Zones
- Date: 26/10/2012 - Author: Research and Information Service
This paper provides an overview of Tax Incentives for Enterprise Zones.
Air Passenger Duty (Setting of Rate) Bill
- Date: 15/10/2012
This Research Paper provides background on the Air Passenger Duty (Setting of Rate) Bill, which is to be debated at Second Stage on 16 October 2012. The Bill seeks to set a rate of duty for air passengers on certain flights departing from Northern Ireland. Previous Research Papers: NIA 71/12 Legislative Consent Motion: UK Finance (No. 4) Bill 2012 Air Passenger Duty and NIA 82/12 Further information on Air Passenger Duty deal with many of the surrounding issues of the course of this process and may be referred to for more information.
