Committee for the Environment facts for kids

The Committee for the Environment was a special group of people from the Northern Ireland Assembly. Think of the Assembly as Northern Ireland's parliament, where laws are made. This committee had an important job: it helped and checked the work of the Department of the Environment. This department was in charge of things like protecting nature, planning new buildings, and managing waste.

The committee also played a big part in creating new laws about the environment. They would listen to ideas, discuss them, and help make sure new rules were fair and helpful. In 2016, this committee was closed down because the Department of the Environment itself was shut. Its responsibilities were then moved to other government departments.

What Did the Committee Do?

The main job of the Committee for the Environment was to look closely at what the Department of the Environment was doing. They made sure the department was working well and spending money wisely. They also gave advice to the Minister of the Environment, who was the person in charge of the department.

Another key role was helping to create new laws. When a new law about the environment was being thought about, the committee would discuss it. They would listen to different opinions and help shape the law before it was voted on by the full Assembly. This made sure that new rules were carefully considered.

Who Was on the Committee?

The Committee for the Environment was made up of politicians from different political parties in Northern Ireland. These members worked together to oversee environmental matters. They included people from parties like the Alliance Party of Northern Ireland, the Democratic Unionist Party, Sinn Féin, the Social Democratic and Labour Party, and the Ulster Unionist Party.

Each committee had a Chairperson and a Deputy Chairperson. These leaders helped guide the discussions and make sure the committee's work was organized. All the members worked to represent the people of Northern Ireland on environmental issues.

Why Did the Committee Close?

The Committee for the Environment stopped working in 2016. This happened because the Department of the Environment, which the committee advised, was closed down. The Northern Ireland government decided to reorganize how it managed different areas.

Because of this change, the jobs and responsibilities of the Department of the Environment were given to other government departments. Since there was no longer a Department of the Environment, there was no need for a committee to oversee it. Its important work on environmental issues was then taken on by other committees and departments.