East Derry Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has welcomed the Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs' support for the ban on microbeads being introduced.
Ms Archibald, the vice chair of the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs committee, was speaking after he received a response from to a question she had put to Michelle McIlveen.
Ms Archibald (pictured) said: “The minister stated that although the Assembly does not have the power to legislate on a ban she is supportive of the ban on microbeads which is being introduced in 2017.
"Microbeads are small pieces of plastic found in some cosmetic products, including toothpaste and exfoliating body washes, and in some household products.
“Concerns have been raised about their build-up in oceans, their effect on fish and other marine life which may mistakenly eat them and also the potential for them to enter the food chain.”
He concluded: "The minister confirmed that her Department officials will work with DEFRA and the other devolved administrations on the detail of proposals and legislation to be introduced."
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