There's to be a new group to tackle greenhouse gas emissions for Northern Ireland.

The Stormont Environment Minister Edwin Poots revealed that he is to chair the organisation after he made the announcement of its formation.

He also issued a positive response to the NI Environment Committee's recent 'Inquiry into Climate Change Report'.

The aim of the Inquiry was to understand the implications of climate change for Northern Ireland and to make recommendations on government policies to mitigate the impact of climate change, examine economic implications and identify suitable adaptation initiatives. The report contains 52 recommendations.

Minister Poots said: "I have taken great care and consulted across government in compiling my response to the recommendations made in the report. I am very pleased to say that over three-quarters of the recommendations have been either fully or partially accepted, with a third of these having been implemented already and the remainder being progressed."

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The Inquiry report noted that all government departments have a role to play in addressing climate change and that there was a need for a more joined up response to delivering climate change objectives.

Responding, the Minister added: "I have continually flagged up that climate change impacts across the whole Executive, and that actions to tackle greenhouse gas emissions are an issue not just for me but for all my Executive colleagues.

"I am sure the Committee will particularly welcome the news that, with the agreement of my Executive colleagues, I will establish and chair a Cross Departmental Working Group on greenhouse gas emissions. A key output from this Group will be a cross-departmental action plan setting out how we individually and collectively will progress towards meeting the Executive’s greenhouse gas emission targets. This will provide for a more cohesive and consistent approach to the issue.

"I have also indicated my willingness to meet with the Committee to discuss my response."

(NS/BMcC)