The Assembly Ombudsman for Northern Ireland

Appointment of acting Ombudsman6

1

Where the office of Ombudsman becomes vacant, Her Majesty may, pending the appointment of a new Ombudsman, appoint a person under this Article to act as the Ombudsman at any time during the period of 12 months beginning with the date on which the vacancy arose.

2

A person appointed under this Article shall hold office during Her Majesty’s pleasure and, subject to that, shall hold office—

a

until the appointment of a new Ombudsman or the expiry of the period of 12 months beginning with the date on which the vacancy arose, whichever occurs first; and

b

in other respects, in accordance with the terms and conditions of his appointment which shall be such as the Department may determine.

3

A person appointed under this Article shall, while he holds office, be treated for all purposes, except those of Articles 4 and 5, as the Ombudsman.

4

Any salary, pension or other benefit payable by virtue of this Article shall be charged on and issued out of the Consolidated Fund.