Clause 15 - Review by appeals commissioners
Northern Ireland (Offences) Bill
3:00 pm
David Hanson (Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office; Delyn, Labour)
I am conscious that there might be a Division in the House shortly, so I will attempt to be brief.
Clause 15 introduces arrangements for the review of decisions by the certification commissioner and the Secretary of State. That review will be undertaken by the appeals commissioners—who will, of course, be chaired by a retired judge. That will replace any judicial review of decisions, and the purpose of the arrangements is to support the creation of a distinct, separate and self-contained system for examining these matters. That is consistent with provisions in earlier clauses that we have discussed.