Proceedings for any offence under this Act shall not be instituted except by or with the consent of the [F1Department] or by an officer authorised in that behalf by special or general directions of the [F1Department] .
F1Word in s. 8 substituted (8.5.2016) by The Departments (Transfer of Functions) Order (Northern Ireland) 2016 (S.R. 2016/76), art. 1(2), Sch. 6 para. 33 (with art. 9(2))