To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what consultation his Department has conducted with stakeholders ahead of developing Sectoral Plans, as required in the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.

My officials are already leading engagement with representatives from all Departments to scope and agree the approach to developing the sectoral plans. When developing their policies and proposals for inclusion in the sectoral plans, Departments will consult with relevant sector-specific advisory groups.

The intention is that sectoral plans will form part of the overall Climate Action Plan for Northern Ireland. A wide range of stakeholder engagement activities shall be undertaken at the appropriate times during development of the Plan. In line with the requirements of the Act, my Department will lay the first Climate Action Plan before the Assembly by the end of 2023 and prior to this a public consultation of not less than 16 weeks will be undertaken.