AQW 9037/17-22

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 19/10/2020
Answered On Date: 28/10/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, given that, under current European Union environmental governance arrangements, the European Commission monitors the implementation of European Union environmental law, what is being done to fill the governance gap which will be created following the transition period.

Answer:

Following the ending of the EU withdrawal Transition Period on 31 December 2020 the European Commission will no longer an oversight role on the implementation of environmental law – except as provided for under the NI Protocol. The Environment Bill, which is currently progressing though Parliament, provides for the formation of a new, independent, statutory environmental body - the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) - to hold government to account on environmental matters.

Subject to the Bill receiving Royal Assent, and commencement of provisions being approved by the Northern Ireland Assembly, the OEP will have a role within Northern Ireland. The OEP will: provide independent scrutiny and advice on the development and implementation of environmental law and policy; investigate environmental complaints from members of the public; and oversee the delivery of environmental law by public authorities and take steps to bring about compliance where needed.

My officials, along with Defra colleagues, are currently considering interim arrangements to address any gap between the end of the Transition Period and the OEP taking up its role as a result of delays arising from the Covid emergency.

A discussion document has been prepared on Environmental Plans, Principles and Governance in Northern Ireland and this will give stakeholders an opportunity to voice their opinions on how the OEP should function within Northern Ireland.