Part V Economy, efficiency and effectiveness

I130 Examinations.

1

The Comptroller and Auditor General F2for Northern Ireland may carry out an examination of the Board’s compliance with the requirements of section 28.

2

If the F3Department of Justice directs the Comptroller and Auditor General F4for Northern Ireland to carry out an examination of the Board’s compliance with the requirements of section 28 in relation to specified functions, the Comptroller and Auditor General F4for Northern Ireland shall comply with the direction.

3

Before giving a direction under subsection (2), the F5Department of Justice shall consult the Comptroller and Auditor General F6for Northern Ireland.

F74

Article 3 of the Audit and Accountability (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 (right of Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland to obtain documents and information) applies in relation to an examination under this section as it applies in relation to an examination under Article 8 or 9 of the Audit (Northern Ireland) Order 1987.

5

Where the Comptroller and Auditor General F8for Northern Ireland has carried out an examination under this section he shall issue a report.

6

A report—

a

shall mention any matter in respect of which the Comptroller and Auditor General F9for Northern Ireland believes as a result of the examination that the Board is failing to comply with the requirements of section 28;

b

may, if it mentions a matter under paragraph (a), recommend that the F10Department of Justice give a direction under section 31(2)(a) or (b).

7

The Comptroller and Auditor General F11for Northern Ireland shall send a copy of every report under this section to—

a

the Board;

b

the Chief Constable; and

c

the F12Department of Justice.

8

The Comptroller and Auditor General F13for Northern Ireland shall lay copies of every report under this section before F14the Northern Ireland Assembly.

F18A

Section 41(3) of the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954 applies for the purposes of subsection (8) in relation to the laying of a copy of a report as it applies in relation to the laying of a statutory document under an enactment.

9

In section 41 of the 1998 Act (inspectors of constabulary) for subsection (4) there shall be substituted—

4

The inspectors shall—

a

if the Secretary of State so directs, carry out an inspection of the Board’s compliance with the requirements of section 28 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000;

b

carry out such other duties for the purpose of furthering the efficiency and effectiveness of the police, the police support staff and traffic wardens as the Secretary of State may from time to time direct;

c

make such reports as the Secretary of State may from time to time direct.

10

In section 42(1) of the 1998 Act (publication of certain reports of inspectors) after “under section 41(2) or (3)” there shall be inserted “ and any report of an inspection under section 41(4)(a) ”.