3(1)The OEP must give advice to any Northern Ireland department about—
(a)any proposed change to Northern Ireland environmental law, or
(b)any other matter relating to the natural environment,
on which that department requires it to give advice.
(2)The Northern Ireland department may specify matters which the OEP is to take into account in giving the required advice.
(3)The OEP may give advice to any Northern Ireland department about any changes to Northern Ireland environmental law proposed by that department.
(4)Advice under this paragraph is to be given in writing to the Northern Ireland department concerned.
(5)The OEP must publish—
(a)its advice, and
(b)if the advice is given under sub-paragraph (1), a statement of the matter on which it was required to give advice and any matters specified under sub-paragraph (2).
(6)The Northern Ireland department concerned may, if it thinks fit, lay before the Northern Ireland Assembly—
(a)the advice, and
(b)any response that department may make to the advice.