AQW 790/22-27

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 31/05/2022
Answered On Date: 08/06/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs whether he intends to review enforcement powers under the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011.

Answer:

The Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 amended the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 and extended the powers of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to investigate cases of suspected wildlife crime and also reviewed penalties for individuals found guilty of committing such crimes.

Whilst PSNI lead on criminal proceeding, they may seek specialist advice from governmental or non-governmental experts to assist the investigation.

I have no plans to review these enforcement powers at this time.