The Ombudsman (Northern Ireland) Order 1996

Appointment of acting Ombudsman

6.—(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.