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Devolution was restored to the Northern Ireland Assembly on Tuesday 8 May 2007 following the election of a four-party Executive of 12 ministers. The Rt Hon Dr Ian R K Paisley MP MLA is First Minister and Martin McGuinness MP MLA is deputy First Minister and are supported by two junior ministers, Ian Paisley Jnr and Gerry Kelly, who will assist them in carrying out the work of their department.

The role of the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) is to support the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in securing a lasting peace, based on the Agreement in which the rights and identities of all traditions are fully respected and safeguarded and in which a safe, stable, just, open and tolerant society can thrive and prosper.

Shaun Woodward MP heads the current NIO Ministerial team, which consists of Paul Goggins MP, Minster of State.

The NIO's include constitutional and security issues, law and order, political affairs, policing and criminal justice amongst others.

The Northern Ireland Assembly was established as a result of the Belfast Agreement, also known as the Good Friday Agreement, which took place on 10th April 1998. It led to the creation of a series of interrelated bodies, in particular the Northern Ireland Assembly, which has full legislative and executive authority for all matters that are the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Government Departments.

ARENA Network was established in 1995 to coordinate all business environmental initiatives in Northern Ireland and to provide an environmental support service for local business. ARENA Network works at both strategic and local levels to advise business and key decision makers across Northern Ireland of the imperative towards sustainable development.

The Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre offers free and impartial advice and support on energy efficiency, renewable energy and low carbon transport, to all householders in Northern Ireland via a freephone 0800 512 012. To find out how you can make your home energy efficient you can also complete a FREE Home Energy Check online.

The focus of Groundwork Northern Ireland is to work in areas of disadvantage where the peace process is at it's most fragile - working in partnership with communities to regenerate hearts, minds and places. We work through partnership to bring about social, economic and environmental regeneration. We use local environmental action to engage with and motivate people to improve their quality of life.

Northern Ireland Environment Link (NIEL) is the forum and networking body for organisations interested in the environment of Northern Ireland. It assists members to develop views on issues affecting the environment and to influence policy and practice impacting on the natural and built environment of Northern Ireland.

Action Renewables is an exciting new Northern Ireland based programme to stimulate awareness of the issues associated with conventional energy use and of the range of solutions available through renewable energy technologies. The programme is a joint venture between Government (Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment) and local energy group Viridian.