Clause 4 - Making and dealing with applications for certificates
Northern Ireland (Offences) Bill
4:30 pm
Lorely Burt (Shadow Minister, Northern Ireland Affairs; Solihull, Liberal Democrat)
I shall speak to amendments Nos. 56 and 58, which get to the heart of the most crucial issue for Liberal Democrats—the participation of the applicant in the process.
The suggestion that any qualifying offender will not have to appear before the special tribunal to avail themselves of the scheme is offensive. The amendments would ensure that the applicant had to take the initiative and make the application himself or herself.