Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether his Department consulted the Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Commission in relation to the appointment of the Chief Commissioner of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery.
Answer
As set out in the WMS of 11 May 2023 and the documents deposited in the House Libraries by Lord Caine on 18 April 2023, the Bill sets out requirements for the post holder of Chief Commissioner of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR), including that they hold or have held high judicial office (as defined) and for consultation with the relevant senior judge (as defined).
The Chief Justices of England & Wales and Northern Ireland and the Lord President of the Court of Session in Scotland were provided with the selection criteria and asked to identify who would be in a position to fulfil the role of Chief Commissioner of the ICRIR.
Having received advice from the judiciary, the Secretary of State identified the Rt Hon Sir Declan Morgan be appointed as the ICRIR Chief Commissioner. Formal appointment as the ICRIR Chief Commissioner will only take place following Royal Assent, taking account of any further considerations and final requirements of Parliament.