A debate to create an independent environment protection agency is to be opened by the Environment Minister.

Minister Mark H Durkan said that the present streamlining of government departments offers an opportunity for an agency to be created.

Minister Durkan said: "With such radical changes to our departmental structures next May, I think that the time is right to create an independent environment protection agency.

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"After all, there will not actually be a Department of the Environment after May. DOE will be no more. Its functions are being transferred across a number of departments.

"Further, most jurisdictions on these islands and Europe have some form of independent environment protection body. They have successfully demonstrated the advantages of a clear separation of roles and responsibilities between central government departments and those responsible for overseeing and implementing protection and regulatory responsibilities."

(CD/JP)