For the second week running DAERA officials were unable to provide briefing papers to the Stormont Agriculture committee on proposals for a Climate Change bill in NI.
“Minister Lyons is still considering these proposals and hasn’t yet reached firm conclusions. It is a complex area,” explained Colin Breen from DAERA.
Before the bill is presented to the Assembly, the policy must be agreed by the NI Executive and the Agriculture committee. The proposals can then be written into a draft bill. The timeframe is tight, given the current Assembly mandate runs out in March 2022. A number of MLAs expressed concern that it will not be made into law by then.
“I would have liked to be introducing it (the bill) before summer recess, or just after summer recess. Possibly any later than that, and the timeline becomes incredibly challenging” acknowledged Breen.