PRESS RELEASE

17 TH December 2008

ENV 08/08/09

ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE FOCUSES ON CLIMATE CHANGE

Terms of reference for an inquiry into climate change have been issued by the Assembly Committee for the Environment. The inquiry, which will begin in January 2009, will look at ways that Northern Ireland can contribute to meeting climate change targets.

Chairperson of the Committee, Patsy McGlone MLA said, “The Committee recognises the threat from climate change and is aware of the urgency of this problem. We all have a responsibility to safeguard the environment for future generations as well as ourselves.

“All sectors in Northern Ireland, from transport right through to the public sector have an important role to play in reducing carbon emissions.

“The Committee will identify costs associated with contributing to the UK carbon reduction targets but these need to be compared with the costs that will be incurred if we don’t take urgent action”

In addition to identifying those areas where Northern Ireland play its part in meeting climate change targets, the Committee intends to produce a substantive report by September 2009. This report will set out the Committee’s findings and recommendations on the implications of climate change for Northern Ireland and the actions it should be taking.

The terms of reference for the inquiry can be found at: - http://archive.niassembly.gov.uk/environment/2007mandate/envirhome_07.htm

ENDS

Notes to editors:
The Chairperson of the Committee is Mr Patsy McGlone
The Deputy Chairperson of the Committee is Mr Cathal Boylan

The Committee has a further nine members:
Mr Roy Beggs, Mr Trevor Clarke, Mr Ian McCrea, Mr David Ford, Mr Tommy Gallagher, Mr David McClarty, Mr Daithi McKay, Mr Alastair Ross, Mr Peter Weir.

The Committee has a scrutiny, policy development and consultative role, and advises the Minister of the Environment directly on the policies of the Department.

The Clerk to the Committee is:
Dr. Alex McGarel
Clerk, Committee for the Environment
Rm 245, Parliament Buildings
Belfast BT4 3XX
Telephone: (028) 9052 1347
Fax: (028) 9052 1795
E-mail: doecommittee@niassembly.gov.uk

For further information, or to arrange an interview or photo opportunity, please contact:
Press Office,
Room B2, Parliament Buildings
Belfast BT4 3XX
Tel: 02890521137
Website Address – archive.niassembly.gov.uk
Email – info.office@niassembly.gov.uk