To ask the Minister of Justice whether she will consider further restricting the use of fireworks to specific times of year or licensed community events, to ensure they are used safely and to reduce distress to animals and vulnerable people.

My Department is not currently considering a review of the legal framework, which seeks to ensure fireworks are sold and bought responsibly for use by the public. The Department grants licences for fireworks displays throughout the year for various celebrations.

Applications are made for private functions, community events and also from those who wish to have a display at their private address. Halloween is the busiest time of year for fireworks applications from the general public. Appropriate checks are carried out, and a licence will only be issued when it has been deemed safe to do so. A fireworks licence includes conditions on use, including date and time restrictions on when the fireworks can be used.

There is a balance to be struck between those who enjoy fireworks and those who do not.

Information on firework safety and the availability of low noise fireworks is available all year round on the government services webpage nidirect. In a recent press release I urged people to be mindful of the whole community particularly vulnerable people and animals when using fireworks.

Any concerns about the misuse of fireworks or the purchase of fireworks without a valid licence should be reported directly to the PSNI who enforce any breaches of regulations.