Menu
02/02/2016
Psychoactive Substances Act Welcomed
The Justice and Health Ministers have welcomed the Psychoactive Substances Act, which is expected to be implemented in spring this year.
The Act will prohibit the production, supply and importation of potentially dangerous drugs, often incorrectly called 'legal highs', and will see offenders face up to seven years in prison.
Minister David Ford and Minister Simon Hamilton welcomed the news.
Minister Ford said: "The Psychoactive Substances Act will considerably enhance the powers available to our enforcement agencies to stop those intent on supplying these harmful substances here in Northern Ireland and across the UK.
"The Act is an important milestone in the efforts of the Westminster Government and the Devolved Administrations and represents a significant change in approach to the emergence of these substances."
Minister Simon Hamilton said: "New Psychoactive Substances have caused significant mental and physical health issues in Northern Ireland. That is why my Department called on the UK Government to bring forward legislation to ban their sale and supply across the UK.
"My Department, and the Department of Justice, have been working very closely with the Home Office on this issue and I believe this new legislation sends out a clear message – these substances are not legal and they certainly are not safe."
(CD)
The Act will prohibit the production, supply and importation of potentially dangerous drugs, often incorrectly called 'legal highs', and will see offenders face up to seven years in prison.
Minister David Ford and Minister Simon Hamilton welcomed the news.
Minister Ford said: "The Psychoactive Substances Act will considerably enhance the powers available to our enforcement agencies to stop those intent on supplying these harmful substances here in Northern Ireland and across the UK.
"The Act is an important milestone in the efforts of the Westminster Government and the Devolved Administrations and represents a significant change in approach to the emergence of these substances."
Minister Simon Hamilton said: "New Psychoactive Substances have caused significant mental and physical health issues in Northern Ireland. That is why my Department called on the UK Government to bring forward legislation to ban their sale and supply across the UK.
"My Department, and the Department of Justice, have been working very closely with the Home Office on this issue and I believe this new legislation sends out a clear message – these substances are not legal and they certainly are not safe."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 May 2016
Legal Highs Ban Comes Into Force Across The UK
A blanket ban on so-called legal highs has come into force in the UK, including Northern Ireland. Dealers in the psychoactive substances will also face up to seven years in prison . The blanket ban on the sale, supply, importation and exportation of the dangerous drugs will apply across the UK whenever they are intended for human consumption.
Legal Highs Ban Comes Into Force Across The UK
A blanket ban on so-called legal highs has come into force in the UK, including Northern Ireland. Dealers in the psychoactive substances will also face up to seven years in prison . The blanket ban on the sale, supply, importation and exportation of the dangerous drugs will apply across the UK whenever they are intended for human consumption.
21 April 2004
Firm fined for loss of radioactive substance
A Belfast firm has been fined over £7,000 after being found guilty of the loss of a controlled radioactive substance. The Irish Bonding Company Ltd. was found guilty for offences under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993 at Belfast Magistrates Court. These charges relate to the loss of a registered radioactive source in September 2002.
Firm fined for loss of radioactive substance
A Belfast firm has been fined over £7,000 after being found guilty of the loss of a controlled radioactive substance. The Irish Bonding Company Ltd. was found guilty for offences under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993 at Belfast Magistrates Court. These charges relate to the loss of a registered radioactive source in September 2002.
13 October 2003
HSENI warn of hazardous substances use
The Health and Safety Executive of Northern Ireland (HSENI) has urged all organisations that use hazardous substances to look at ways of preventing ill health in the workplace. The warning comes as today marks the beginning of European Week for Safety and Health, which will run from 13 – 19 October.
HSENI warn of hazardous substances use
The Health and Safety Executive of Northern Ireland (HSENI) has urged all organisations that use hazardous substances to look at ways of preventing ill health in the workplace. The warning comes as today marks the beginning of European Week for Safety and Health, which will run from 13 – 19 October.
21 November 2024
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
20 November 2024
DAERA Minister Confirms Commitment to Deposit Return Scheme
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has reaffirmed his commitment to introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Northern Ireland. The DRS is designed to encourage recycling by offering a monetary incentive for returning single-use drinks containers. The scheme will cover PET plastic, steel, and aluminium containers ranging from 150ml to 3 litres.
DAERA Minister Confirms Commitment to Deposit Return Scheme
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has reaffirmed his commitment to introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Northern Ireland. The DRS is designed to encourage recycling by offering a monetary incentive for returning single-use drinks containers. The scheme will cover PET plastic, steel, and aluminium containers ranging from 150ml to 3 litres.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
