Written Answers to Questions - Northern Ireland Assembly

Friday 20 July 2012 Written Answers
would be identifiable, for example any fees paid to prosecuting counsel, however, these were not
incurred in this case.
NIPS: Severance Package
Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Justice how many (i) full-time; and (ii) part-time Northern Ireland
Prison Service officers, who applied for and received a severance package, have been re-employed by
any employer, in each prison facility, in any full-time or part-time capacity.
(AQW 13417/11-15)
Mr Ford: 160 members of the Northern Ireland Prison Service left the service under the Voluntary Early
Retirement Scheme by 30 April 2012.
I can confirm that none of these staff has been re-employed by NIPS, the DOJ or any of its agencies or
Arms-length bodies. I am not in a position to provide information on staff employed by any other employer.
NIPS: Code of Conduct and Discipline
Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Justice, pursuant to AQW 12644/11-15, (i) which Department is
responsible for this document; (ii) when he requested a copy of the signed minute; (iii) when it was
agreed that he would receive a copy; and (iv) when it will be delivered.
(AQW 13418/11-15)
Mr Ford: I can confirm that the Northern Ireland Office is the owner of the document the Member refers
to. Authorisation to release a redacted version was sought and granted in June 2012. A redacted copy
of the document is attached.
Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims (Amendment) Act 2012
Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Justice whether he plans to introduce legislation similar to the
Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims (Amendment) Act 2012, which provides for a person found guilty
of allowing serious physical harm to a child or vulnerable adult to be sentenced to ten years in jail.
(AQW 13419/11-15)
Mr Ford: My Department is committed to monitoring any changes to domestic and sexual offences
legislation, such as those described, and to assess the impact of those amendments. We will explore the
detail with Ministry of Justice colleagues, with a view to assessing its introduction in Northern Ireland.
NIPS: Code of Conduct and Discipline
Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Justice (i) to detail the principles and policies of the National
Executive Committee of the Prison Governors Association, to which the Northern Ireland Prison
Service is affiliated, in regards to members holding meetings during the appeal process of officers
recommended for dismissal from the service under the Code of Conduct and Discipline when they have
no remit to do so and no regulatory authority; (ii) whether this behaviour constitutes acting in a manner
prejudicial to the interests of the officer and the Association; and (iii) whether meetings held under
such circumstances are deemed to be a breach of discipline.
(AQW 13420/11-15)
Mr Ford: As Minister of Justice I am unable to detail the principles and policies of the National
Executive Committee of the Prisoner Governors Association (PGA). I would however refer the Member to
the response I provided to AQW/12782/11-15, which outlined the role of the PGA in representing their
members should they be recommended for dismissal.
WA 586