AQW 51943/22-27

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 15/09/2026
Answered On Date: 18/09/2026
Priority Written: Yes

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on the introduction of Lucy’s Law.

Answer:

Legislation to introduce phase one of Lucy’s Law has been drafted and put forward for consideration by the Executive at its meeting on 24 September, following which it will be scrutinised by the AERA Committee and Assembly. . Subject to securing the necessary approvals, I intend to have the legislation in place by the end of 2026. A lead-in period will then apply before the new requirements take effect, allowing time to prepare for implementation. Phase two which will introduce registration requirements remains a policy objective to be brought forward at a later date.