To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what steps his Department is taking to inform the public about the threats posed by invasive species, including Japanese knotweed.

DAERA officials regularly provide online and in-person invasive species training for a variety of organisations, such as NGOs, other government departments, councils, schools, colleges and volunteer groups.

The Invasive Species Northern Ireland website is managed by Departmental officials. It provides full guidance on confirming species identification, management techniques and legislation. Associated social media streams provide up to date news and information. Posters, guidance leaflets, almost 80 species identification guides and many other useful resources, such as warning signs for giant hogweed, can be downloaded from the website.

The Department has supported and adopted British Irish Council (BIC) public awareness campaigns such as Check Clean Dry, Be Pet Wise and Be Plant Wise.

Every year Departmental officials join officials from England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Isle of Man and The Channel Isles to take part in the Invasive Species Week event. Throughout the week many projects and awareness campaigns are promoted and highlighted via social media, television and radio. This year, my officials made several appearances in local media talking about a variety of species including the dangers of giant hogweed.

It should be noted that Japanese knotweed was not selected by the European Union as a Species of Union Concern. This means the Department has no authority, under current domestic legislation, to enforce its removal although basic advice is provided.