To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for his assessment of the impact of not implementing climate action legislation within the current mandate.

Northern Ireland, under the UK Climate Change Act 2008, is already implementing action to address climate change and a number of Northern Ireland Executive departments are currently developing long term strategies to reduce emissions from key sectors.

I assume that what your question actually relates to is the progression of Northern Ireland specific climate change legislation through the Assembly within this mandate. Delivering local climate change legislation within this mandate has been my key priority.

As you will be aware, my Executive Climate Change (No.2) Bill completed its Consideration Stage on 7th February 2022 and unfortunately, as a result of amendments made during that stage, the Bill now contains an aspirational 2050 target which is not based on evidence, but I remain committed to delivering climate change legislation in this mandate.