Clause 50 - Law Commission
Justice (Northern Ireland) Bill
2:30 pm
Lady Lady Hermon (North Down, UUP)
I appreciate the Minister's intervention, although I am not sure that I agree with it. Lest anyone have the impression that we in Northern Ireland live in something of a legal quagmire, I should explain that the Law Reform Advisory Committee for Northern Ireland has operated since 1989. Its remit has been to scrutinise the civil law of Northern Ireland, with some exceptions, and to submit reform proposals to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. It is composed of part-time members.
I find it extraordinary that the possibility of a commission in Northern Ireland with five full-time members is still being contemplated. I explained this morning that, in the much larger jurisdiction of England and Wales, there are only five full-time members. In the Republic of Ireland, there are also five full-time members. Will the Minister explain why the Bill cannot state that the intention is for part-time members? How can he justify the possibility of five full-time members in such a small jurisdiction?