AQW 790/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

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.

Asked by John Blair MLA on 31 May 2022

Answered
Written

Tabled: 31 May 2022
Answer due by: 17 June 2022
Answered: 8 June 20228 days after tabling
Department: Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
Priority question: No

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.

Official sources