Committee Inquiries: Initiation

1 Following receipt of a notification under paragraph 6(1)(b) the Committee must decide— a whether or not to hold an inquiry into the replacement EU act which was the subject of the notification, or b whether or not to continue an inquiry begun in accordance with paragraph 7(2) in relation to the replacement EU act which was the subject of the notification. 2 In reaching a decision under sub-paragraph (1), the Committee— a must have regard to whether it appears likely that the replacement EU act– i significantly differs (in whole or in part) from the content or scope of the EU instrument which it amends or replaces, and ii would have a significant impact specific to everyday life of communities in Northern Ireland in a way that is liable to persist, and b may have regard to any other matters the Committee considers appropriate. 3 A decision under sub-paragraph (1) must be made no later than five working days after the day on which the notification is made. 4 The Committee must publish any decision made in accordance with this paragraph. 5 A failure to make a decision in accordance with this paragraph is to be treated as a decision not to hold an inquiry or not to continue an inquiry which had already begun, as the case may be.