To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on progress towards introducing an energy bill.

Officials in my Department are developing a range of net-zero policies essential to delivery of the Northern Ireland Executive’s Energy Strategy ‘The Path to Net Zero Energy’. That process includes considering whether existing legislation and regulations can facilitate solutions essential to delivery of its objectives.

We intend to use existing legislation where possible. In those areas where the legal framework needs updated, I will consider whether primary or secondary legislation is most effective.

While the Department has plans for a wide-ranging Energy Bill those areas that require urgent primary legislation, to meet decarbonisation targets, may need to move in advance of it.