Northern Ireland written question – answered at on 18 January 2005.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will set up an Environmental Protection Agency for Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
The main environmental functions in Northern Ireland are delivered by the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS), an executive agency within the Department of the Environment. EHS was established in 1996 following consideration by Government of the options available.
In November 2004, a coalition of NGOs, following a public consultation exercise which they had carried out, recommended to me that an independent inquiry be set out; this inquiry would look at, among other things, the arguments for establishing an Environment Protection Agency in Northern Ireland which would carry out the functions which currently lie with EHS.
I am considering, together with my ministerial colleagues, how best to respond to this recommendation, bearing in mind wider political developments.
Yes1 person thinks so
No0 people think not
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