1.7 pm
Northern Ireland (Offences) Bill
Lady Hermon (North Down, UUP)
Thank you, Mr. Taylor, I am delighted to see you in the Chair this afternoon.
The Minister has tried to persuade the Committee to reject the amendment moved by the Member for East Antrim, on the basis that when the on-the-runs return they will, to paraphrase the Minister, receive a sentence and will be convicted. With the greatest respect to the Minister, he cannot persuade the Committee that the special tribunal—one person, retired or otherwise—will convict anyone, particularly since clause 7 means that there is a stop factor when the certificate of eligibility is issued and no further police investigation may continue.