§ Lord Lairdasked 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. [HL3002]
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§ The Lord Privy Seal (Lord Williams of Mostyn)No formal representations have been received from the Government of the Irish Republic supporting the Police Ombudsman.
§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
What arrangements they are making to train the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman and her staff in the skills required to write clear, concise and consistent reports. [HL3100]
§ Lord Williams of MostynThe arrangements for the training of staff in the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman's office are entirely a matter for that office.
§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the annual budget for the office of the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman. [HL3101]
§ Lord Williams of MostynThe annual budget for the office of the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman for financial year 2001–02 is £5,815K.
§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
What redress members of the police in Northern Ireland should have when accused of offences by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland and which subsequently prove to be incorrect. [HL3168]
§ Lord Williams of MostynThe police ombudsman does not have the power to accuse police officers of committing offences. The decision as to the substance of a case investigated by the police ombudsman is for the Director of Public Prosecutions to decide. Common law provides for civil action to be taken by those who believe they have been wrongly prosecuted.
§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland can be cited in libel actions. [HL3169]
§ Lord Williams of MostynThe police ombudsman can be cited in libel actions. However in relation to defamatory material published in the course of her duties, the police ombudsman has the benefit of qualified privilege, which means that any action against her would only succeed if malice could be proved.