Commentary on Sections
(Comments are not given where the wording is self-explanatory.)
Section 1 contains a number of amendments to the Victims and Survivors (Northern Ireland) Order 2006. The effect is that references in the Order to a Commissioner are replaced with references to a Commission. Paragraph 3(1) of Schedule 1 to the Act provides that the Commission shall consist of such members as are appointed by the First Minister and deputy First Minister. Para 5(2) provides that if it appears to the Commission that a person it proposes to appoint as an employee has at any time been convicted of a criminal offence, the Commission can only make the appointment with the approval of the First Minister and deputy First Minister. Paragraph 9 (6) of Schedule 1 to the Act provides that the First Minister and deputy First Minister shall keep the working arrangements of the Commission under review and may designate a member as Chief Commissioner should that be deemed necessary for the efficient and effective working of the Commission in the future.