Functions of the CommissionerN.I.
17—(1) The functions of the Commissioner are—
(a)where a person has made a complaint or referral to which subsection (2) applies, to investigate the complaint or referral in accordance with the provisions of this Part;
(b)to initiate an investigation in accordance with the provisions of this Part if the Commissioner believes that, at a relevant time, a breach of the Code of Conduct may have occurred;
(c)to report to the Assembly on the outcome of any investigation under this section; and
(d)on the Commissioner's own initiative, or if requested by the Assembly, to give advice on any matter of general principle relating to standards of conduct of members of the Assembly.
(2) This subsection applies to—
(a)a complaint to the Commissioner that, at a relevant time, a breach of the Code of Conduct has occurred;
(b)a referral to the Commissioner made by any person specified in the standing orders as being a person who may make referrals in relation to any matter specified in the standing orders as being a matter in respect of which the Commissioner must carry out an investigation.
(3) In this section—
“the Code of Conduct” means—
any code of conduct for members of the Assembly, and
any guide to the rules relating to the conduct of members of the Assembly,
which has been agreed to by the Assembly; and
a “relevant time” means a time (whether before or after this section comes into operation) when a requirement to comply with the Code of Conduct was in force.
Commencement Information
I1S. 17 in operation at 17.9.2012 by S.R. 2012/334, art. 2(a)