Ombudsman
Section 124: Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Ombudsman
345.Sections 124 to 131 amend the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 to establish the office of Judicial Appointments Ombudsman for Northern Ireland. Section 124 inserts section 9A into the 2002 Act to establish the Ombudsman’s office and provide that he shall be appointed by Her Majesty the Queen on the recommendation of the Lord Chancellor.
Schedule 15: Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Ombudsman
346.Schedule 15 inserts Schedule 3A into the 2002 Act. Schedule 3A makes further provision in relation to the qualification, tenure of office and powers of the Ombudsman. The eligibility provisions reflect those that currently apply to the Judicial Appointments Commissioner for Northern Ireland, namely that he must not engage in political activity during the term of his appointment. Previous political activity will not constitute a bar to appointment.