AQW 15205/17-22

Mr Stewart Dickson
Alliance Party
East Antrim

Tabled Date: 23/02/2021
Answered On Date: 30/03/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she will set up an expert advisory panel to advise on a green economic recovery and ensure Northern Ireland maximises all opportunities in this area.

Answer:

As part of the development of the new Energy Strategy, an expert advisory panel has already been established to support the Department’s work. This panel is providing advice on a range of energy policy areas, including those which will help to contribute to a green economic recovery. My Department is also leading on the development of a Circular Economy Strategic Framework for Northern Ireland. Officials are currently in the process of establishing an expert advisory panel to facilitate engagement and garner the wealth of subject matter knowledge and expertise necessary to inform the framework development process. Key stakeholders will include local government, business, academia and the third sector. Those invited to contribute will be well positioned to represent the breadth of sectors and organisations working in, developing and delivering aspects of the Circular Economy within Northern Ireland or internationally. There are number of complementary work streams in progress across government that will deliver on the Executives ambitions of a green economy, climate change action and delivery of sustainable economic growth and I welcome the close working relationships that have developed with colleagues in other departments to date.