From the Office of the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

Additionally, while always mindful of the budgetary position, I am keen to hear the views of key stakeholders to determine the most appropriate course of action for the River Basin Management Plan. [...] Climate Change Act Requirements Addressing the Climate Emergency is one of my key priorities and I will be doing everything in my power to deliver the requirements of our Climate Change Act as I recognise the significant benefits this can bring for the people of Northern Ireland, our economy and our environment. [...] Given the cross-cutting nature of the Climate Action Plan, the draft will need to be approved by the Executive, prior to its publication for consultation. [...] I am indebted to the OEP for its expert advice on potential improvements to the draft policy statement and my officials will continue to engage with OEP staff throughout the process. [...] A final policy statement will be subject to Executive approval and the timeframe for final implementation of the statutory duty to have due regard to the policy statement will be dictated to some extent by the statutory scrutiny and lead-in periods.