The Belfast Telegraph yesterday revealed details of NIO proposals to reduce the number of government departments from 11 to six.

These include merging the existing Environment, Agriculture and Regional Development departments into a new Department for Sustainable Development and Energy.

The leaked plans will form the basis of a reorganisation push by Secretary of State Peter Hain, if current efforts to restore devolution are unsuccessful.

Friends of the Earth has issued its initial thoughts on the blueprint.

The group's spokesperson Lisa Fagan said: "This proposal is something of a curate's egg, good in parts.

"We welcome the alignment of environment with planning, transport and energy because joined-up policy making in these critical areas ought to produce the best outcomes for the environment.

"We're not convinced, however, of the merits of including agriculture in the new department.

"It would be better if the rural industries - farming, fishing and forestry - were retained in a separate department.

"This would allow debate across departmental boundaries and ensure any tensions don't get buried within a single department."

The Ulster Farmers' Union has called for the retention of a Department of Agriculture in Northern Ireland.

Public sector union NIPSA has, meanwhile, expressed its concern at the potential for job losses from the proposed reorganisation.