Northern Ireland Assembly members debated proposals to create an independent Environmental Protection Agency. DUP Deputy Leader Michelle McIlveen MLA, representing Strangford, stated the DUP opposes the plan. She argued the agency would not resolve issues like Lough Neagh pollution or water quality.

McIlveen said existing bodies, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and the Office for Environmental Protection, already provide oversight. She noted Northern Ireland has around 120 arm's length bodies operating without direct democratic accountability. The DUP MLA called for ministers to take responsibility instead of creating another quango.

Alliance, Sinn Fein and SDLP members supported the proposal. The UUP did not vote. McIlveen questioned the need for extra spending amid strained public finances.