The Northern Ireland Government's independent advisory body on sustainable development
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SDC Welcomes Announcement on Northern Ireland Commissioner
28 September 2009
The Sustainable Development Commission has welcomed the announcement by the First Minister Peter Robinson MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MLA that the process to appoint a Sustainable Development Commissioner for Northern Ireland is underway.
Chairperson of the Sustainable Development Commission Will Day stated:
“The Sustainable Development Commission strongly welcomes and commends this announcement by the First Minister and the deputy First Minister. It is an extremely positive development and one which will serve the people and the Executive well in Northern Ireland.
“As the Government’s independent advisor on Sustainable Development across the UK, it is crucial that Northern Ireland has a champion to match the successes of Commissioners from Scotland and Wales in advising government in enhancing the development of sustainable economic, social and environmental policies.
“In a similar vein Northern Ireland’s Sustainable Development Commissioner will act as an advisor for promoting efficiencies within government and saving public money, whilst at the same time being a positive advocate for people’s rights to fair and equal access to essential services, infrastructure suitable for a low-carbon future, together with sustainable and stable employment opportunities.
On that basis, I look forward to continuing the Commission’s positive relationship with the First and Deputy First Minister and indeed, enhancing it, through this appointment.”
Head of the Commission in Northern Ireland, Jim Kitchen stated:“Much good work is underway in Northern Ireland, both within government and between government and the private, community and voluntary sectors. Indeed, the Programme for Government places sustainable development at heart of the Executive’s work. In that respect, today’s announcement is extremely encouraging. The Northern Ireland Sustainable Development Commissioner will be a key driver in delivering on that work and holding government to account on achieving those objectives.”
