24.—(1) Amend section 23 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 (prerogative and executive powers) as follows.
(2) In subsection (2) for “subsection (3)” substitute “subsections (2A) and (3)”.
(3) After subsection (2) insert—
“(2A) So far as the Royal prerogative of mercy is exercisable on Her Majesty’s behalf under subsection (2), it is exercisable only by the Minister in charge of the Department of Justice.”