First Minister and deputy First Minister - New Sustainable Development Strategy

Mr J Spratt asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister when a new Sustainable Development Strategy will be in place.

(AQO 51/10)

First Minister and deputy First Minister:

We have agreed a draft of the new Sustainable Development Strategy for Northern Ireland and recently wrote to the Committee for OFMDFM seeking its views on the draft Strategy.

We intend to seek Executive agreement to begin the public consultation process that will lead to the publication of a Strategy which is now, we believe, more effectively aligned with the Programme for Government.

Additionally, we have recently approved the process to appoint a Commissioner to the Sustainable Development Commission. This is an important step as it will provide us with a strong representative voice in the Commission alongside the other devolved administrations. It will also allow access to expert resources.

We anticipate that the Commission will continue to be heavily involved in the ongoing development and implementation of the new Sustainable Development Strategy. In this context the appointment of a new Northern Ireland Commissioner will be particularly welcome.