To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail (i) what assessment has been made of the impact of fireworks on farm animals and wildlife; and (ii) whether further measures are being considered to mitigate that impact.

I am aware of the potential impact from using fireworks on all animals, especially during the Halloween season. My Department conducts a social media campaign prior to Halloween to inform the public about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and to offer advice on reducing stress and anxiety for animals.

The Department of Justice is the licensing authority for fireworks in Northern Ireland. It has advised that it is conscious of the impact that fireworks can have on animals and that where circumstances require, a fireworks licence may be issued with a condition that landowners/farmers are informed in advance of the firework display.

Through annual Halloween messages, and information available all year round on the government services webpage NI Direct, the Department of Justice also reminds the public to be considerate to neighbours and animals when using fireworks, as well as raising awareness that some fireworks manufacturers have a range of low noise fireworks available to purchase.