The Independent Reporting Commission

Exercise of functions
2
1
The Commission’s objective is to promote progress towards ending paramilitary activity connected with Northern Ireland.
2
The Commission must exercise its functions in the way which it considers is most appropriate for meeting its objective.
3
In exercising its functions, the Commission must not do anything which might—
a
prejudice the national security interests of the United Kingdom or Ireland,
b
put at risk the life or safety of any person,
c
have a prejudicial effect on the prevention, investigation or detection of crime, or
d
have a prejudicial effect on any actual or prospective legal proceedings.
4
In subsection (3) “prospective legal proceedings”, in relation to the exercise of a function, means legal proceedings which in the view of the Commission are likely to be brought within a reasonable period of the function being exercised.
5
The Secretary of State must issue guidance about the exercise of the Commission’s functions in relation to information the disclosure of which might—
a
prejudice the national security interests of the United Kingdom, or
b
put at risk the life or safety of any person.
6
The Commission must have regard to the guidance in exercising its functions.
7
The Secretary of State may amend or replace the guidance issued.
8
The Secretary of State must publish the current guidance issued.