Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4)

Part 5 N.I. Judicial Appointments and Removals: Northern Ireland

Chapter 1 N.I. Appointments

Complaints and references N.I.

130 References by the Lord Chancellor N.I.

After section 9F of the 2002 Act insert—

“9G References by the Lord Chancellor

(1) If the Lord Chancellor refers to the Ombudsman any matter relating to the procedures of the Commission or a committee of the Commission, the Ombudsman must investigate it.

(2) The matter may relate to such procedures generally or in a particular case.

(3) The Ombudsman must report to the Lord Chancellor on any investigation under this section.

(4) The report must state—

(a) what findings the Ombudsman has made;

(b) what if any action he recommends should be taken by any person in relation to the matter.

(5) The report must be signed by the Ombudsman.”