To ask the Minister of Justice to detail any steps her Department is taking to ensure the public clearly understand the laws governing fireworks use and the potential impact on animals and vulnerable people.

Information on fireworks, including the licensing requirements and fireworks safety, is available all year round on the government services webpage nidirect.

Halloween is the busiest time of year for firework displays and in September I issued my annual reminder to be considerate to others, especially vulnerable people and animals, when using fireworks. As Halloween approaches, regular reminders are being issued by the Department and other agencies, such as PSNI, NIFRS and local councils, promoting the firework safety messages via social media platforms.

The Department’s messages encourage the public to follow the law, keep fireworks safe and be considerate to others and also advises that low-noise fireworks are available and, by making a simple change it could help make Halloween more enjoyable for neighbours and reduce the distress to animals.