To ask the Minister of Justice (i) for an update on the Review of Sentencing Policy; and (ii) whether it will include a framework for rural arson as a type of environmental crime.

(i) Preliminary research is currently underway into the topics within the scope of the Review, alongside the collation of statistical information, to assist with further analysis and the development of policy proposals. The cross-departmental steering group chaired by my department also met for the first time on 22 April.

Any policy proposals developed by the Review will be subject to public consultation, with a view to informing legislative proposals for the next mandate. Subject to resources, it is anticipated that public consultation on any such policy proposals will take place in 2027.

(ii) The Review of Sentencing Policy will consider the sentencing framework for environmental crime. This aspect of the Review will be led by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, which has lead policy responsibility for this issue.

DAERA’s Wildfire Strategic Framework Action Plan sets out 35 actions, including the examination of existing legislation in Northern Ireland that could result in prosecution for starting wildfires and taking forward appropriate legislative changes as required. The work flowing from this Action Plan in relation to rural arson will be taken forward as part of the Sentencing Review.