HL Deb 13 March 2002 vol 632 cc82-3WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 13 February (WA 153–54) concerning the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman, what mechanisms of independent inspection exist for the police ombudsman's office. [HL2946]

The Lord Privy Seal (Lord Williams of Mostyn)

There is no mechanism for independent inspection of the police ombudsman's office.

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What criteria were used in the appointment of the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman; and when the office will be reappointed. [HL2948]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

The criteria used in the appointment of the police ombudsman were as detailed in the application form: legal skills; leadership/strategic planning; developing and maintaining networks; judgment and decision-making and public relations.

The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland was appointed on 6 November 2000 and this appointment terminates on 5 November 2007.

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have received representations from the Government of the Irish Republic supporting the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman; what was the nature of these representations; by whom were they made; and what was the response. [HL3003]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

No formal representations have been received from the Government of the Irish Republic supporting the police ombudsman.