To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on whether their Department has an agreed timescale for the appointment of a Northern Ireland Climate Commissioner.

Mrs Little-Pengelly (The deputy First Minister)

We have not yet agreed on a timescale for the appointment of the Northern Ireland Climate Commissioner. Members may be aware that the draft Northern Ireland Climate Commissioner Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025, which will give us the power to appoint the Climate Commissioner, are scheduled for debate on Tuesday 8 April. Provided that the regulations are approved, we will move quickly to agree on a timescale for the appointment. We will ensure that the appointment is made in line with the code of practice for ministerial public appointments, which can take six to nine months to complete after the process has commenced. There will also be work to put in place the necessary infrastructure to support the commissioner, such as the securing of suitable office accommodation and the appointment of staff to their office.

Mrs Little-Pengelly

As I said, we will make the appointment in line with the code of practice for ministerial public appointments. The code has not been formally added to the appointment process for the role, but, as the Member will know, we can, of course, make such an appointment in line with the code, which is our intention.

Ms Finnegan

Will the deputy First Minister detail the timeline for establishing a Climate Commissioner after the regulations have been approved?

Mrs Little-Pengelly

I thank the Member for her question. As the Member is likely to be aware, we need to take a number of key steps, particularly if the appointment process is carried out in line with the code of practice. The process has a formal nature, and we will follow all its steps. We will endeavour to get the advertisement out as quickly as possible and conduct the interviews. Those who are shortlisted may need to make a presentation. We will endeavour to get that done as quickly as possible, but the timeline is likely to be between six and nine months.

Mr Harvey

Does the Minister have any concerns about the cost of such a commissioner, particularly given how tight budgets are at the moment?

Mrs Little-Pengelly

I thank the Member for his important question. In light of the Chancellor's spending statement last week, everyone around the Chamber will be aware of the difficulties and financial challenges that we face due to the huge amount of work that we need to do to invest in our public services and the limited funds that we have to do that. Indeed, the initial costings for the office are estimated to be about £1 million per year. When the legislation was passing through the House, concerns were raised, which I share, about the role that the commissioner will play. We can draw on the UK Climate Change Committee for advice. There is a risk of some duplication in the role. The role was included in the legislation that was passed by the House, but it would not be my preferred way forward. I do not think that there is a particular need for a Climate Commissioner at this time, but it is a legal duty that falls to the First Minister and myself, which is why we are moving forward with the appointments process.

Mr McGlone

Picking up on the theme of the previous question, the projected cost is £1 million per annum. Has it been confirmed that that is the budget that will be committed to the office?

Mrs Little-Pengelly

I thank the Member for his important question. It is estimated that £1 million will be the initial cost. That is the basic cost of a very basic structure compared with some other commissioner offices. As indicated, a number of UK-wide bodies already work in the area, including the Climate Change Committee, from which we can draw advice. Under the legislation, there are a number of new proposed bodies, including a just transition commission, each of which bring a significant cost. We need to be mindful of that. The projected cost of £1 million in the business case is based on a very basic structure. It is the minimum that will be required per annum for that type of post.

Mr Speaker

Question 2 has been withdrawn.