To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what discussions he has had with the Minister of Education on the incorporation of air quality within the Northern Ireland curriculum.

Discussions with the Minister of Education, on the incorporation of air quality within the Northern Ireland curriculum have taken place.

Furthermore, air quality is currently incorporated within the Northern Ireland curriculum in specific subjects, for example Geography at Key Stage 3 and GCSE level. For younger children in Key Stage 1 & 2, The World Around Us element of the curriculum introduces how to appreciate the environment and the pupil’s role in maintaining and improving it as well as understand how actions can affect the environment.

As you will be aware, I recently launched a twelve week public consultation on Monday 23rd November 2020 on the Clean Air Strategy Discussion Document, developed by my Department (available at: http://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/clean_air_strategy_discussion_document).

Should you have any suggestions relating to air quality in the Northern Ireland curriculum, or any other matter you feel should be included in the future Clean Air Strategy for Northern Ireland, I would encourage you to submit your comments through the formal route using the designated inbox (casni@daera-ni.gov.uk), this will ensure your important comments, are captured as part of the final assessment.

The questions put forward in the discussion document are designed to generate discussion, however, you will note that they are ‘open’ in nature to encourage wide debate and discussion. Constructive comments relevant to any topic will therefore be greatly appreciated and strengthen the consultation process.