Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order (Northern Ireland) 2019 (S.R. No. 159 of 2019).

This Order, for purposes of giving effect in Northern Ireland to Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species, provides for control on the importation and exportation of invasive alien species as listed by the European Commission in accordance with the EU Regulation. The Order, among other things, provides for criminal offences, provides for the issue of permits and licenses in accordance with the Regulation, and provides with respect to enforcement by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.
The Department may issue to an establishment a permit which authorises it to carry out any prohibited action in relation to a specimen where it is carried out in the course of one or more of the following activities— (a) research on, or ex-situ conservation of, an invasive alien species; (b) scientific production, and subsequent medicinal use, where the use of products derived from an invasive alien species is necessary for the advancement of human health; or (c) in exceptional circumstances, such other activities as are justified by reasons of compelling public interest, including those of a social or economic nature, in accordance with Article 9 (authorisations) of the EU Regulation. The Department may grant a licence for the (a) implementation of an eradication measure pursuant to Article 17 (rapid eradication at an early stage of invasion) of the EU Regulation; (b) implementation of a management measure pursuant to Article 19 (management measures) of the EU Regulation; (c) the commercial use, on a temporary basis, of an invasive alien species as part of a management measure pursuant to Article 19(2) (commercial use of invasive alien species which are already established) of the EU Regulation; or (d) the keeping of an animal by a facility (including any necessary ancillary activities such as transportation) until the end of its natural life in accordance with Article 31(4) (transitional provisions for non-commercial owners) of the EU Regulation.
A person may not by reason of the same act or omission be convicted of both— (a) an offence under this Order; and (b) an offence under the Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 1966. This Order is enforced by the Department and authorised persons.