AQO 3093/22-27

Miss Nuala McAllister
Alliance Party
North Belfast

Tabled Date: 29/01/2026
Answered On Date: 16/09/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Justice for an update on her plans to create new offences of directing and participating in serious organised crime.

Answer:

ANSWER to AQO 3093 22-27

Members will be aware that I plan to introduce two new offences of directing and participating in the criminal activities of an organised crime group, via amendment at Consideration Stage of the Justice Bill.

The intention of the proposed provisions is to create specific legislation for prosecuting individuals involved in criminal conduct linked to serious organised crime in Northern Ireland; criminalise those who, at any level, are involved in the commission and undertaking of serious organised crime; and pursue those who work together to commit or conspire to commit serious crimes.

Whilst under current practice, those involved in the activities of organised crime in Northern Ireland are routinely charged and, if the test for prosecution is met, prosecuted for offences relating to the organised crime type they are suspected of being involved in. It is my hope that the introduction of these new offences and the associated penalties will accurately reflect the serious nature of this type of offending and act as a deterrent. It also sends a strong message that there are no individuals who are deemed to be untouchable from their criminality.