§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether consultation has taken place regarding a joint inspectorate for prisons, probation and police in Northern Ireland; and, if so, what is the Government's position on this issue. [HL3972]
§ Lord Williams of MostynThe Criminal Justice Review recommended the establishment of a statute-based, independent criminal justice inspectorate, and the Government have fully accepted this recommendation.
The Northern Ireland Prison Service, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, and the Probation Board for Northern Ireland, are included within the remit of the Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice. Consultations 90WA are continuing with a number of organisations and agencies, with a view to adding to the list of organisations specified in the Bill.