To ask the Minister for the Economy what discussions his Department has had with other departments in the last 24 months in relation to progressing the draft Clean Air Strategy.

My officials have been engaged in collaborative discussions with the Department for Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Air Quality Team, responsible for developing the regional Clean Air Strategy (CAS) on various occasions during the last 24 months.

Discussions centred on taking action to restrict and ultimately ban the use of coal and certain other solid fuels for domestic heating. There exists a clear correlation between an effective CAS and the phased-out use of coal and certain other solid fuels, and the issue necessitates a comprehensive approach across government, encompassing the transition to cleaner heating alternatives, the implementation of emission standards, and the promotion of awareness regarding the associated health risks.

The Executive’s Energy Strategy, "The Path to Net Zero Energy," outlines the policy direction for decarbonising the economy and phasing out fossil fuels, including gas, heating oil, coal, and certain other solid fuels used for heating. An update to progress on the strategy is produced annually and outlines the key strategic priorities and energy policy initiatives which are being developed and delivered with partners across government.

Energy Strategy - Path to Net Zero Energy - 2023 Action Plan Report (economy-ni.gov.uk)