To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what consultation his Department has conducted with stakeholders ahead of developing a Climate Action Plan, as required in the Climate Change Bill.

In line with the requirements of the Climate Change (Northern Ireland) Act 2022, my Department will lay the first Climate Action Plan before the Assembly by the end of 2023. As part of the process a public consultation of not less than 16 weeks must be undertaken and the results of this must also be laid before the Assembly.

My officials are already leading engagement with representatives from all other Departments to scope and set the strategic direction for the Plan.

When developing their policies and proposals for inclusion in the Plan, Departments will consult with relevant sector-specific advisory groups. There will be engagement with all of the key sectors as part of the process of developing and agreeing the sectoral plans for inclusion in the overall Climate Action Plan. A wide range of stakeholder engagement activities shall be undertaken at the appropriate times during development of the Plan.