New legislative powers to address drug-related intimidation in Northern Ireland are expected to complete their passage through Stormont early next year, a Department of Justice spokeswoman has said.

The measures are part of the Assembly's Justice Bill, which has completed four of its six stages. The bill was last considered at the end of June and must pass further stages before being sent for royal assent.

The department said drug-related intimidation requires a cross-departmental response involving justice, health, housing and education sectors, alongside community and voluntary organisations.

Ulster Unionist deputy leader Diana Armstrong has questioned what progress has been made since a government report on the issue was published almost a year ago. The report found that cross-border drug gang surveillance was lacking and noted cases of older men in County Fermanagh being used to transport illegal drugs because law enforcement would be less likely to suspect them.

The report highlighted that the Justice Bill would contain ways of addressing drug-related intimidation.

Ms Armstrong accused Justice Minister Naomi Long of taking her eye off the ball on the issue. She said little appears to have been done since the report was published.

The department spokeswoman said scheduling of bill stages is a matter for the Northern Ireland Assembly, but it is anticipated the bill will reach its final Stormont stage early next year.