Tribunal Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2004

Regulation 17

SCHEDULE 1 PROVISIONS AS TO INQUIRY

1.  Subject to the provisions of these Regulations, the procedure at an inquiry shall be within the discretion of the Tribunal.

2.  The proceedings at an inquiry shall be held in private unless the practitioner has applied in writing to the Tribunal for the inquiry to be held in public.

3.  The Tribunal may if it thinks fit call for such documents and examine such witnesses as appear to it likely to afford evidence relevant and material to the issue, although not tendered by either party.

4.  The chairman of the Tribunal who presides over the inquiry may by notice require any person –

(a) to attend at the time and place set forth in the notice, to give evidence or to produce any books or documents in that person’s custody or under that person’s control which relate to any matter in question at the inquiry; or

(b) to furnish within such reasonable period as is specified in the notice such information relating to any matter in question at the inquiry as the chairman of the Tribunal who presides over the inquiry may think fit, and as the person so required is able to furnish.

5.  The chairman of the Tribunal who presides over the inquiry may administer oaths and examine witnesses on oath, and may accept in lieu of evidence on oath by any person, a statement in writing by that person.

6.  Subject to the provisions of these Regulations, the Tribunal may adjourn from time to time as it thinks fit and hold adjourned sittings at such time and place as may appear to it to be suitable.

7.  A Board to whom notices as set out in Forms 3 and 4 are sent pursuant to regulations 7(2) and 10 (notice of inquiry), or to whom notice is sent pursuant to regulation 22(4) shall be entitled to take such part in the proceedings of the inquiry as the Tribunal shall think proper.

8.  The Tribunal may make orders as to the costs incurred by the parties appearing at any such inquiry and as to the parties by whom such costs shall be paid.