PART 5FURTHER OVERSIGHT

50Northern Ireland Climate Commissioner

1

The Executive Office must by regulations establish an independent office to be known as the “Northern Ireland Climate Commissioner”.

2

The functions of the Commissioner are to oversee and report on the operations of this Act.

3

Regulations under subsection (1)—

a

must make provision for the appointment of the Commissioner;

b

may provide that the Commissioner is to be a corporation sole;

c

may make provision about the general powers of the Commissioner;

d

may make provision for the payment of remuneration and allowances to the Commissioner, and for the defraying of the Commissioner’s expenses;

e

may make provision in relation to accounting, reporting and record-keeping by the Commissioner;

f

may make provision for the appointment of officers and staff by the Commissioner;

g

may make provision about the acquisition and disposal by the Commissioner of property, rights and liabilities (including land);

h

may make such further provision in relation to the Commissioner as the Executive Office considers appropriate.

4

Regulations under subsection (1) may also make provision about the functions of the Commissioner, including provision specifying how the oversight and reporting functions are to be performed.

5

The first regulations under subsection (1) must be laid in draft before the Assembly within the period of 2 years beginning with the day on which this Act receives Royal Assent.