Publisher's Synopsis
The Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister in this mandate, and the 2007-2011 mandate, has developed policy proposals to combine the offices of the Assembly Ombudsman for Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Complaints with their current powers remit and responsibilities - subject to the proposals set out. The proposals would also reform jurisdiction and powers and provide for appointment of the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman (NIPSO) by Her Majesty on the nomination of the Assembly and for the NIPSO to report to the Assembly and Assembly Committees on a basis to be laid down in Standing Orders. Westminster legislation is likely to be required to enable the Assembly to confidently legislate on a small number of matters within the proposed Bill. Following consideration of this report the Committee will seek the assistance and consent of the Secretary of State in bringing
