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.