AQW 51943/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

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

Asked by John Blair MLA on 15 September 2026

  • Answered
  • Written
  • Priority
Tabled
15 September 2026
Answer due by
18 September 2026
Answered
18 September 20263 days after tabling
Department
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
Priority question
Yes

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.

Official sources