Part 2Law Officers and Public Prosecution Service

Public Prosecution Service

29 Public Prosecution Service

1

There is to be a prosecuting service for Northern Ireland known as the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland.

2

The Service is to consist of—

a

the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland,

b

the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland, and

c

the members of staff of the service appointed under subsection (4).

3

The Service is to be funded by the Secretary of State.

4

The Director may appoint staff of the Service, but subject to the approval of the Secretary of State as to—

a

numbers,

b

salary, and

c

other conditions of service.

5

The Director may designate any member of staff of the Service who is—

a

a member of the Bar of Northern Ireland, or

b

a solicitor of the F1Court of Judicature;

and any person designated under this subsection is to be known as a Public Prosecutor.

6

The Director is head of the Service; and the Deputy Director and the Public Prosecutors and the other members of staff of the Service are subject to his direction and control.

7

The Director and Deputy Director (if barristers) and Public Prosecutors designated under subsection (5)(a) are not prevented from—

a

conducting any criminal proceedings, or

b

exercising a right of audience in any criminal proceedings,

by not having been instructed by a solicitor.

8

The Director may set up and maintain such offices, in such places in Northern Ireland, as he considers appropriate for the exercise of his functions.