To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for his assessment of the potential merits of investing in peatlands restoration in terms of generating employment.

My Department recognises the importance of peatlands and the services they deliver and is developing a Peatland Strategy for Northern Ireland which will provide a framework for conserving our intact semi-natural peatlands and restoring degraded semi-natural peatlands.

Key actions within the draft Strategy will seek to build capacity in peatland restoration techniques, develop practical skills via training courses for landowners and organisations involved in peatland conservation and restoration and take forward a Knowledge Exchange Network.

The forthcoming Green Growth Strategy will map out the actions needed to meet sector-specific greenhouse gas emission targets, delivering a cleaner environment, more efficient use of our resources within a circular economy and green jobs.

In addition, my Department is currently supporting peatland restoration projects funded by Interreg Va, which provide employment opportunities and will seek to develop future peatland restoration projects.