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Minister’s call-in powers extended

The amended Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act, extended the circumstances under which the Minister for the Environment can step in to decide on an application – a process known as “Ministerial call-in”.

Ministerial call-in will now be possible where there are significant cultural spiritual and ethical effects, as well as significant economic, environmental, international and health effects. The Minister can also step in where it is judged ERMA lacks sufficient experience to decide the case.

Ministerial Call-in allows the Minister for the Environment to appoint people with relevant knowledge or experience to sit with ERMA to consider the particular application. The Authority conducts a public inquiry before reporting its recommendations to the minister. The minister then has 20 days to make a decision.

Last updated: 17 September 2007