Introductory

Interpretation: “relevant authority”C14

1

In this Order “relevant authority” means—

F1a

any authority (other than the Office of the Commissioner or the Comptroller and Auditor General) listed in Schedule 3 to the Public Services Ombudsman Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 (listed authorities).

c

any body or person listed in Schedule 1.

2

The Office may by order amend Schedule 1 so as to—

a

add a body or person to that Schedule;

b

remove a body or person from that Schedule;

c

modify any entry in that Schedule; or

d

move a body or person from one Part of that Schedule to the other Part.

3

No order may be made under paragraph (2) unless a draft of the order has been laid before, and approved by resolution of, the Assembly.

4

An order under paragraph (2) may contain such transitional provisions as the Office thinks appropriate.

5

An order under paragraph (2) which adds a body or person to Schedule 1 may provide for this Order to apply to that person or body subject to such modifications or exceptions as are specified in the order.

6

In this Order “relevant authority concerned” means—

a

in relation to an investigation for the purposes of the Commissioner's functions under Article 7(2) or (3), a relevant authority mentioned in the terms of reference produced for that investigation under paragraph 2(2)(a) of Schedule 3;

b

in relation to an investigation for the purposes of the Commissioner's functions under Article 9 or 10, the relevant authority in relation to which the investigation is to be, is being, or (as the case may be) has been conducted; and

c

in relation to a formal investigation into a complaint under Article 12(1), the relevant authority against which the complaint was made.

7

In this Order any reference to action taken by a relevant authority includes a reference to action taken by—

a

a member or committee of the authority (if it is a body);

b

an officer or member of staff of the authority;

c

any person acting on behalf of the authority;

d

any person to whom the authority has delegated functions.