Part IVEvidence and Information
Special advocates16
1
On receiving a certificate of confidential information under rule 15, the chairman of the panel shall inform the Attorney General of the proceedings before the panel, with a view to the Attorney General, if he thinks fit to do so, appointing a special advocate to represent the interests of the prisoner.
2
The function of the special advocate is to represent the interests of the prisoner, as mentioned by paragraph (1), by:—
a
making submissions to the panel in any hearings from which the prisoner and his representative are excluded;
b
cross-examining witnesses at any such hearings; and
c
making written submissions to the panel.
3
Except in accordance with paragraph (4) a special advocate may not communicate directly or indirectly with the prisoner whose interests he has been appointed to represent on any matter connected with the case before the panel.
4
A special advocate may seek directions from the panel authorising him to seek information in connection with the case from the prisoner whose interests he has been appointed to represent.
5
In paragraph (4) a reference to a prisoner whose interests he has been appointed to represent includes the representative of the prisoner.