These Regulations make provision with respect to Northern Ireland, for the execution and enforcement of Regulation (EC) No 1946/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the transboundary movements of genetically modified organisms and designates the Department of the Environment as 'Competent Authority' for the purpose of the Council Regulation as regards Northern Ireland. The Competent Authority is responsible for performing the administrative functions required by the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. The Regulations also provide with respect to inspections and define offences.