Commentary on Sections
Section 1 – The Department of Justice
Section 1 establishes the Department of Justice as a Northern Ireland department, prescribes its intended functions, and makes consequential amendments to insert the Department’s name in Schedule 1 of the Departments (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 (which lists the Northern Ireland departments) and also in Schedule 2 of the Ombudsman (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 (which lists the bodies subject to investigation).
Section 2 – Minister in charge of Department of Justice
Section 2 sets out the arrangements for appointing the Minister of Justice.
Section 3 – Short title and commencement
Section 3 sets out the title of the Act and arrangements for its commencement. It comes into operation on such day as the First Minister and deputy First Minister may by order appoint.
Schedule
The Schedule to the Act amends references to “justice department” in certain other legislation by substitution of “Department of Justice”, thus ensuring consistency of terminology.