To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to provide an update on the establishment of the Just Transition Commission, as required by the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.

While the Act does not specify a timeframe for establishing the Just Transition Commission, I have identified this as a priority for my Department. Work has commenced on the complex process of establishing a Just Transition Commission for Northern Ireland.

My Officials are currently identifying what type of public body the Commission would be in order to identify the correct process to establish it and how to best support the work of the Commission, for example with a Departmental-based secretariat. Engagement is also taking place with other departments and representatives involved in other just transition commissions to learn from their experiences.

I hope you find this information useful.