Commentary on Articles
10.Comments are not given where the wording is self-explanatory.
Article 2 – Exceptional Legal Aid
11.The Lord Chancellor will be empowered to direct that legal aid shall be provided by the Northern Ireland Legal Services Commission in specified general categories of case which fall outside the scope of ordinary legal aid.
12.The Lord Chancellor will also be empowered to authorise funding generically or in respect of individual cases, whether the cases fall within or outside the scope of ordinary legal aid, if the Commission requests him to do so.
Schedule 1, paragraph 1 – Minor and Consequential Amendments
13.The scheme for providing exceptional grant funding will operate alongside the statutory scheme for providing advice and assistance in respect of preparation work carried out in connection with relevant proceedings. However, funding will not be available simultaneously under the two schemes in connection with any individual case.
Schedule 1, paragraph 5– Minor and Consequential Amendments
14.This amendment is required as a consequence of the establishment of new Northern Ireland departments and the transfer of functions between departments which was given effect under the Departments (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 [SI 1999/283 (NI 1)].
