Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs – in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 2:30 pm on 10 September 2024.
Andrew Muir
Alliance
2:30,
10 September 2024
There are a number of issues around that. We will start consultation soon on the regulations that will establish the just transition commission. We will then make the regulations and establish the commission next year. That is important.
Another issue is the just transition fund for agriculture. As I outlined earlier in this Question Time, I have made the case to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs that there should be a separate and additional capital fund for Northern Ireland that would be the just transition fund for agriculture. That would be an invest-to-save measure, in that it would enable us not only to drive down greenhouse gas emissions but to deal with the air quality, ammonia and water quality issues that we have talked about today. A lot needs to be done in that space.
I will bring the draft green growth strategy to the Executive for endorsement very soon, and a just transition is a core part of that. I am keen that, as we travel the road to net zero, it is just and fair. It is absolutely key that we do that. That is where our economy needs to be as well when it comes to looking after the most vulnerable and ensuring equality.
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