I thank the Member for his question. The Member will be aware of the issues around establishing an environmental protection agency because a colleague of his held the Environment Ministry previously. It is something that I am taking up in the environmental governance review. I intend to make announcements over the time ahead on the next steps.

It is important that we follow due process if we are taking the road ahead in establishing an independent environmental protection agency. It is something that I believe in, and it was in 'New Decade, New Approach'. It is important to establish it correctly, so that it has the correct powers and the ability to deliver for the people of Northern Ireland. I am moving on that at pace, because it is important that we have an independent environmental protection agency.

I have a lot of respect for the officials in the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. However, ultimately, I do not believe that it should be part of my Department; it should be independent. We are taking action on this. I look forward to engaging with Members and society on the issue over the time ahead, because I recognise its importance.