Commentary on provisions of Act Section 1: The Commission
Sections 1 to 5 give effect to the treaty between the UK Government and the Government of Ireland which establishes the Independent Reporting Commission ("the Commission"). The overarching objective of the Commission (reflected in subsection (1) of section 2) is to promote progress towards ending paramilitary activity connected with Northern Ireland. Its functions, as described in paragraph 5.1 of the Fresh Start Agreement, are to:
Report annually on progress towards ending continuing paramilitary activity connected with Northern Ireland (or on such further occasions as required);
Report on the implementation of the relevant measures of the three administrations [i.e. the UK Government, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive]; and
Consult the UK Government and relevant law enforcement agencies and, in Northern Ireland, the Executive, the Police Service of Northern Ireland ("the PSNI"), statutory agencies, local councils, communities and civic society organisations.
	Section 1 enables the First Minister and deputy First Minister jointly to nominate two of the four Commissioners. The other two are nominated by the UK Government and Government of Ireland, respectively. Section 1 also provides for the Commission to have the legal capacities of a body corporate and allows for the Secretary of State to provide appropriate resources for the Commission to carry out its functions.