(1)In paragraph 21 of Schedule 2 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998 (excepted matters), after “Northern Ireland Constitution Act 1973” insert “ , other than section 36(1)(c), ”.
(2)In paragraph 16 of Schedule 3 to that Act (reserved matters), omit “functions and procedures of the”.
(3)Section 4 of that Act (transferred, excepted and reserved matters) is amended as follows.
(4)In subsection (2), for “and (3)” substitute “ to (3D) ”.
(5)After subsection (3) insert—
“(3A)The Secretary of State shall not lay before Parliament under subsection (2) the draft of an Order amending paragraph 16 of Schedule 3 (Civil Service Commissioners for Northern Ireland) unless the Secretary of State has, at least three months before laying the draft, laid a report before Parliament.
(3B)The report under subsection (3A) must set out the Secretary of State's view of the effect (if any) that the Order would have on—
(a)the independence of the Civil Service Commissioners for Northern Ireland;
(b)the application of the principle that persons should be selected for appointment to the Northern Ireland Civil Service on merit on the basis of fair and open competition; and
(c)the impartiality of the Northern Ireland Civil Service.”