Environmental Protection Agency

HC Deb 07 October 2003 vol 411 c204W

Lady Hermon

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will establish an independent environmental protection agency in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [131244]

Angela Smith

In April 1996, the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) was set up as a Next Steps Agency. The Agency was significantly under-resourced in its initial years. However, following devolution, the Executive accorded environmental protection a high priority, and funding increased significantly.

There are no specific plans at present to establish an independent Environment Protection Agency. However, it is anticipated that the role of Next Steps Agencies, will be examined as part of the proposed Review of Public Administration. The review team are due to consult on their findings shortly.