Examination of accused through intermediary

11Examination of accused through intermediary

1

In section 12(1) of the Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (which at the passing of this Act is not in operation), the inserted Article 21BA of the Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 is amended as follows.

2

At the beginning of paragraph (2) insert “ Subject to paragraph (2A), ”.

3

After paragraph (2) insert—

2A

A court may not give a direction under paragraph (3) unless—

a

the court has been notified by the Department of Justice that arrangements for implementing such a direction have been made in relation to that court; and

b

the notice has not been withdrawn.

2B

The withdrawal of a notice given to a court under paragraph (2A) does not affect the operation of any direction under paragraph (3) given by that court before the notice is withdrawn.