HL Deb 21 May 1998 vol 589 cc198-9WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What arrangements will be made in Northern Ireland for making appointments to the judiciary and magistracy; and what safeguards will be put in place for the protection of their independence, as referred to in Annex B of the Good Friday Peace Agreement. [HL1899]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Northern Ireland Office (Lord Dubs)

The review of the criminal justice referred to in the agreement reached in the multi-party negotiations, the terms of reference of which were set out at Annex B to the agreement, has not yet commenced. Subject to a positive outcome in the referendums on 22 May, the review will commence as soon as possible, and will report to the Government no later than autumn 1999.