71.—(1) The Department may appoint or designate an officer or other person (an “inspector”) to inspect and report to the Department concerning any institution, premises or other place whatsoever where any child is kept in respect of whom—
(a)an application has been made under Article 17(1) or 18(1) for an order declaring him free for adoption;
(b)notice of an intended application for his adoption has been served on [F1an] [F2HSC trust] under Article 22;
(c)enquiries have been made of [F3an] [F2HSC trust] under Article 23;
(d)an interim order is in force under Article 26; or
(e)an application has been made under Article 57.
(2) An inspector (on production, if so required, of his credentials) may—
(a)at any time enter any institution, premises or place which by virtue of paragraph (1) he is authorised or required to inspect; and
(b)require the person who at that time has control or management of any place to be inspected to furnish such information as the inspector may reasonably require.
(3) The Department may pay to an inspector who is not an officer of the Department such sum by way of salary or fees and such sum for expenses as it may determine with the approval of the Department of Finance and Personnel.
F1Word in art. 71(1)(b) substituted (1.4.2022) by Health and Social Care Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (c. 3), s. 8(1)(b), Sch. 1 para. 120; S.R. 2022/102, art. 2(b)
F2Words in Order substituted (1.4.2009) by Health and Social Care (Reform) Act (Northern Ireland) 2009 (c. 1), ss. 32, 34(3), Sch. 6 para. 1(1)(d) (with Sch. 6 para. 1(3)); S.R. 2009/114, art. 2
F3Word in art. 71(1)(c) substituted (1.4.2022) by Health and Social Care Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (c. 3), s. 8(1)(b), Sch. 1 para. 120; S.R. 2022/102, art. 2(b)