To ask the Minister for Communities what inter-departmental discussions she has had in regard to the introduction of a walking strategy for Northern Ireland.

The Department has been developing a new draft Strategy for Sport and Physical Activity and officials have engaged with a wide range of stakeholders including Departments, Councils, sports bodies, those involved in outdoor recreation and representatives from section 75 groups.

It is clear from this work that outdoor recreation, including walking, retains a significant level of importance for those who have contributed to that consultation.

In developing the Strategy officials have worked with other Departments, including the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Department of Health and Department of Education and officials from those Departments have sat on the Project Board and other working groups.

When the consultation exercise is completed I will bring the final draft Strategy to the Executive and seek their endorsement of the document which covers a very diverse range of issues that will require a cross Departmental collaborative approach to delivering the key themes.

This work is of particular importance given the interest there has been in outdoor recreation including walking and cycling during the covid restrictions and the benefits that these activities offer in terms of physical and mental wellbeing.