The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has confirmed that draft regulations to establish an independent Just Transition Commission will shortly be presented at Stormont for debate.

The move follows agreement from the Executive to proceed with the formal structure of the body.

The Commission's primary objective is to oversee the implementation of "just transition" provisions within the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022. It will act in an advisory and oversight capacity, ensuring that government policies to reduce emissions are fair and inclusive, and that no sector or community is left behind during the shift to a low-carbon economy.

Reflecting on the milestone, Minister Muir said: "Today is a critical step towards ensuring that Northern Ireland has the structures in place to address both the challenges and opportunities connected with climate action. At all times, we must ensure that this is done in a way that is inclusive, fair and sustainable. "The establishment of a Just Transition Commission will be essential to delivering on this ambition. Through its oversight and advisory role, it will help ensure that departments design and bring forward decarbonisation policies that ensure nobody is left behind."

The Commission will consist of representatives from across several sectors. While the 2022 Act mandates inclusion from academia, youth groups, civic society, trade unions, fisheries, agriculture, and the environment, DAERA has proposed additional representation from the energy, transport, rural, and green finance sectors to broaden the expertise available.

Similar commissions are already operational in Scotland and the Republic of Ireland to guide their respective transitions. The draft regulations for Northern Ireland's body were informed by a ten-week public consultation involving 12 engagement events, which showed strong support for the initiative.

Minister Muir added: "The progression of these Regulations to the Assembly is an important milestone on this journey and I look forward to further constructive discussion and debate through our Assembly scrutiny process."