A public consultation on a new Public Health Bill for Northern Ireland has been extended by two weeks.

This extension aims to maximise responses to the proposed legislation, with the new deadline set for Monday, October 14.

The planned bill seeks to replace the 1967 Public Health Act, enabling Northern Ireland to address a broader range of severe public health threats.

While the 1967 Act primarily focused on infectious diseases, the new bill will also cover infection and contamination from biological, chemical, and radiological sources.

This update will align Northern Ireland's legislation with the rest of the UK.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: "I would encourage any individual, group, or organisation with a view on the consultation to submit a response ahead of the new closing date of October 14.

"This is your opportunity to help shape this important legislation."

He also addressed the need for public dialogue on all potential options, including mandatory vaccination, but clarified his stance against it.

Mr Nesbitt said: "I am not in favour of mandatory vaccination even in limited and tightly prescribed circumstances.

"Nevertheless, it is right that we have a public conversation about all potential options in the public consultation, as we decide what should be in the final Bill to protect us all."

He also emphasised the importance of the legislative process, stating that any draft legislation from the consultation must undergo the Northern Ireland Assembly's scrutiny processes.

This includes a detailed review by the Health Committee, an Assembly debate, and votes of the full Assembly.

Mr Nesbitt added: "Unfortunately, there has been some misunderstanding about the planned new bill.

"Any draft legislation emerging from the consultation must go through the Northern Ireland Assembly's normal scrutiny processes.

"It is important we have vigorous debate on the proposed legislation, which is why I welcome the strong interest in the consultation.

“I am determined that the planned Bill will strike the correct balance between the state’s responsibility to protect the public’s health, our collective responsibility to protect each other, and the autonomy, rights and dignity of individuals.

"The public consultation process and the subsequent Assembly scrutiny processes will help us achieve that balance."