Committee for Justice

Minutes of proceedings 10 September 2026

Committee for Justice minutes of proceedings 10 September 2026.pdf (275.79 kb)

Room 30, Parliament Buildings, Belfast

Present:                

Paul Frew MLA (Chairperson)

Emma Sheerin MLA (Deputy Chairperson)

Doug Beattie MLA

Connie Egan MLA

Ciara Ferguson MLA

Brian Kingston MLA

Patsy McGlone MLA

Present by Video or Teleconference:

Maurice Bradley MLA

Aoife Finnegan MLA

In Attendance:      

Kathy O’Hanlon (Assembly Clerk)

Thomas McKillop (Senior Assistant Assembly Clerk)

Gareth Black (Assistant Assembly Clerk)

Paula Morrow (Clerical Supervisor)

Aaron Pakenham (Clerical Officer)

The meeting commenced at 2.00 pm in public session.

Emma Sheerin joined the meeting at 2.01pm.

Agreed: That the oral evidence sessions with Women’s Aid and  Nexus, and with The Bar of Northern Ireland on the Criminal Justice (Sentencing etc) Bill will be recorded byHansard.


1.  Apologies

 

There were no apologies.


2.  Draft Minutes

Agreed: The Committee agreed the minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 2 July 2026.


3.  Matters Arising

3.1 Freedom of Information request

  The Committee noted an update on the release of some Committee documents to support a response to a Freedom of Information request received during the summer recess period regarding amendments to the Justice Bill.


4.  Criminal Justice (Sentencing etc) Bill –  Women’s Aid and Nexus oral evidence

 

The following witnesses joined the meeting at 2.05pm:

Sonya McMullan – Regional Services Manager, Women’s Aid

Joanne Barnes – Chief Executive, Nexus

Aoife Finnegan joined the meeting at 2.06pm.

The witnesses provided oral evidence on the Criminal Justice (Sentencing etc) Bill.

The oral evidence was followed by a question-and-answer session.

Patsy McGlone joined the meeting at 2.36pm.

The evidence session was recorded by Hansard.

The Chairperson thanked the witnesses and they left the meeting at 3.33pm.


5.  Criminal Justice (Sentencing etc) Bill –  Bar of Northern Ireland oral evidence

The following witnesses joined the meeting at 3.34pm:

Denise Kiley KC – Chair of the Bar Council

Suzanne Gallagher BL – Criminal Bar Association

David Mulholland – Chief Executive of the Bar of Northern Ireland

The witnesses provided oral evidence on the Criminal Justice (Sentencing etc) Bill.

The oral evidence was followed by a question-and-answer session.

The evidence session was recorded by Hansard.

The Chairperson thanked the witnesses and they left the meeting at 4.46pm.

Agreed: That the meeting move to closed session to discuss agenda item 6 and item 7.13.

The meeting moved into closed session at 4.46pm.


6.   SL1 The Justice (2011 Act) (Amendment of Schedule 3) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026 – Update to football bodies, championships and leagues – Advice from Assembly Legal Services

Julie Byers, a Legal Adviser with Assembly’s Legal Services Office, joined the meeting at 4.47pm.

The Committee received a legal briefing on taking oral evidence as part of its scrutiny of the Department of Justice’s proposal to make this Statutory Rule, in view of an ongoing judicial review proceedings relating to the legislation.

The Committee also noted correspondence from the Department for Communities advising that previous information provided to the Committee was incorrect and providing revised advice, which updates the reference to women’s football matches.

Brian Kingston left the meeting at 5.05pm.

Agreed: To ask the Departments of Justice and Communities to clarify whether the revised information contained in the Department for Communities’ letter will impact the SL1 and draft Statutory Rule that the Committee is being asked to consider; and, when a response has been received, to seek advice from the Examiner for Statutory Rules on the draft Rule.

The Chairperson thanked the official and she left the meeting at 5.14pm.

 

7.13 – Victim Support correspondence

The Committee considered correspondence from Victim Support in relation to   facilitating focus groups on the Criminal Justice (Sentencing etc) Bill.

Agreed: To thank Victim Support for their engagement and willingness to assist in aspects of the Committee’s work, but advise that, regrettably, due to the significant pressures on its forward work programme and the limited time available at this stage of the mandate, the Committee is not in a position to take up the offer of facilitated focus groups at this time.

 

The meeting returned to public session at 5.29pm.

Emma Sheerin left the meeting at 5.29pm.


7.   Criminal Justice (Sentencing etc) Bill – Written papers

7.1 – Minister of Justice response to B Kingston MLA written question – Commencement of Disqualification from driving.

The Committee noted a response from the Justice Minister to a written question from Brian Kingston on whether time spent in prison is excluded from the period of a disqualification from driving.

 

7.2 – Department of Justice - Response regarding Peter Dolan’s oral evidence.

The Committee noted a response from the Department of Justice in relation to information the Committee had sought following its oral evidence session on the Criminal Justice (Sentencing etc) Bill with Mr Peter Dolan.

Emma Sheerin returned to the meeting at 5.31pm.

 

7.3 – Department of Justice - Response regarding the Public Prosecution Service on Part 3 and Schedule 3 of the Criminal Justice (Sentencing etc) Bill.

The Committee considered a response from the Department of Justice to queries raised by the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) in relation to Part 3 of the Sentencing Bill relating to life sentences for murder cases.

Agreed: To forward the Department’s response to the PPS for information.

Agreed: To ask the Department for a response to the PPS’s views and concerns regarding vulnerabilities and Clause 36 of the Sentencing Bill.

 

7.4 – Department of Justice - Response regarding matters not in the Bill.

The Committee considered a response from the Department of Justice to matters not contained in the Sentencing Bill but on which the Committee had received submissions on in response to its Call for Evidence on the Bill. The Department also provided a response to correspondence from the Probation Board for Northern Ireland on areas which, in its view, are not currently included within the Bill but would add significant value in supporting effective sentencing, rehabilitation, and public protection.

Agreed: To forward relevant extracts from the Department’s response on matters not included in the Bill to the respective respondents who raised them in their submissions to the Committee.

Agreed: To forward the relevant extract from the response to the Probation Board for information.

Members also noted that the Department had advised that an amendment will be tabled at Consideration Stage to include repeal of the offence of assault on ambulance workers (section 54 of the Justice (NI) Act 2016) at Chapter 1 of Part 6 of Schedule 7 of the Sentencing Bill.  

 

7.5 – C McGlennon – Proposed Victims’ Right and Sentencing Amendments

The Committee noted correspondence from a victim of crime requesting that the Committee give consideration to a number of amendments to the Sentencing Bill.

Agreed: To forward the correspondence to the Department for information on any consideration being given to these matters.

 

7.6 – Information Commissioner’s Office – Response regarding the Convention Rights Memorandum

The Committee noted a response from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) to a Department of Justice paper that addressed questions raised by the ICO in relation to the Sentencing Bill.

 

7.7 – Law Society of Northern Ireland – Follow up to oral evidence session

The Committee noted a paper from the Law Society providing further information that witnesses had agreed to provide the Committee with during their oral evidence session on the Sentencing Bill on 2 July.

 

7.8 – Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission – Follow up to oral evidence session

The Committee noted a response from the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) providing information regarding an aggravator model and Charlotte’s law in follow up to the oral evidence session on the Sentencing Bill in June 2026.

Agreed: To forward the NIHRC correspondence on aggravators to the Department of Justice for response.

 

7.9 – Police Service of Northern Ireland – Follow up to oral evidence session

The Committee noted follow-up information provided by the PSNI, which witnesses agreed to provide the Committee with as part of their recent oral evidence session on the Sentencing Bill.

 

7.10 – Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland

The Committee noted a request from the Commissioner for Older People to reschedule a proposed oral evidence session on the Sentencing Bill, and that, following engagement with the Committee Clerk, the evidence session will proceed as planned on 24 September 2026.

 

7.11 – Women’s Rights Network NI – Written submission

The Committee noted a submission in response to the Sentencing Bill from the Women’s Rights Network NI.

 

7.12 – Northern Ireland Advocate for AAFDA – Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse

The Committee considered correspondence from Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA) requesting an opportunity to meet with the Committee to discuss the work of AAFDA in relation to Domestic Homicide Reviews and suicide in the context of domestic abuse.

Agreed: To respond to AAFDA to advise that due to pressures on the Committee’s Forward Work Programme, the Committee would welcome, in the first instance, a written submission on the matters they have raised in their correspondence; and that the Committee has noted that some Members have already met or arranged to meet with AAFDA independently.


8.      Victim and Witnesses of Crime Bill – Motion to extend Committee Stage

The Committee discussed a proposed timetable for the Committee Stage of the Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill, including a potential extension of the Committee Stage.

Agreed: That the first meeting of the Committee following Christmas recess will take place on Thursday 7 January 2027 at 2pm.

Agreed: That the following motion be lodged in the Business Office:

“That, in accordance with Standing Order 33(4), the period referred to in Standing Order 33(2) be extended to 22 January 2027, in relation to The Committee Stage of the Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill (NIA 39/22- 27).”

Agreed: That the Chairperson will request that the debate on the motion is scheduled w/c 21 September 2026.


9.      Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill – Written Papers

9.1 – Department of Justice – Response following oral evidence session on 25 June 2026

The Committee noted follow-up information from the Department, which officials had agreed to provide during the recent oral evidence session on the Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill.

 

9.2 – Department of Justice – Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill: Delegated Powers Memorandum

The Committee noted the Department of Justice’s Delegated Powers Memorandum provided by officials and that the Memorandum had been forwarded to the Examiner of Statutory Rules for consideration during the summer recess period.


10.   SR 2026/0000 The Justice (2011 Act) (Amendment of Schedule 4) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026 – Expansion of Out of Court Disposals

The Committee considered a Statutory Rule laid by the Department of Justice under the powers granted by the Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2011. This Rule will amend and extend the range of offences that the PSNI can issue Penalty Notices for under Schedule 4 of that Act and will increase penalties for certain offences.

The Rule is subject to the draft affirmative procedure and will come into operation on the day after the Order is approved by the Assembly.

Members noted that the Examiner of Statutory Rules raised no issues on the technical aspects of the Rule in her report of 4 September 2026.

Agreed: That the Committee for Justice considered SR 2026/0000 The Justice (2011 Act) (Amendment of Schedule 4) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026 and recommends that it be approved by the Assembly.

The Chairperson advised that he will outline the views of the Committee in the debate on the Statutory Rule.


11.   SL1 The Coronavirus Act 2020 (Extension of Provisions Relating to Live Links for Courts and Tribunals) (No.2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026

The Committee considered the Department of Justice’s proposal to make a Statutory Rule under powers conferred by section 90 of the Coronavirus Act 2020 (“the 2020 Act”) to enable the provisions in Parts 1 and 2 of schedule 27 to the 2020 Act to remain in force for a further six months to 24 March 2027.

The Rule will be subject to the confirmatory resolution procedureand the Department has proposed that the Rule will come into operation on 24 September 2026.

The Committee noted that no responses were received to the call for views on the proposed rule.

Agreed: That the Committee is content with the Department’s proposal for the Statutory Rule.

The Chair advised Members that agenda items 12, 13 and 14 will be considered together.


12.   SL1 The Offensive Weapons Act 2019 (Commencement No.2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026


13.   SL1 The Surrender of Offensive Weapons (Compensation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026


14.   SL1 The Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Offensive Weapons) (Amendment, Surrender and Compensation) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026

The Committee considered a proposal from the Department of Justice to make three Statutory Rules related to the commencement of provisions in the Offensive Weapons Act 2019, which will make it a criminal offence to possess certain dangerous weapons for private use.

The Surrender of Offensive Weapons (Compensation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026 and The Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Offensive Weapons) (Amendment, Surrender and Compensation) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026 are subject to the draft affirmative procedure; while The Offensive Weapons Act 2019 (Commencement No.2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026 is not subject to any procedure.

The Committee noted that no responses were received to the call for views on the proposed rules.

Agreed: That the Committee is content with the proposals for each of the Statutory Rules.

 

15.   SL1 – The Special Educational Needs And Disability Tribunal (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026

The Committee noted a paper from the Department advising that it is pausing progress of the proposed regulations, following the Minister for Education’s written Ministerial Statement on 26 June 2026 announcing that he is pausing the commencement of the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 (the 2016 Act) until 1 September 2027.


16.   Police Reform Bill – Potential Legislative Consent Memorandum – Department of Justice written paper

The Committee noted correspondence from the Department of Justice providing early notification of a possible Legislative Consent Motion that may be required for potential measures relevant to Northern Ireland in a Police Reform Bill.


17.   Renewal of the Secretary of State’s Direction under Section 1A(7) of the Prison Act (Northern Ireland) 1953 as amended by Schedule 4 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Devolution of Policing and Justice Functions) Order 2010 – Department of Justice written paper

The Committee considered correspondence from the Department of Justice seeking the Committee’s view of the renewal of the Secretary of State’s Direction under Section 1A(7) and (8) of the Prison Act (Northern Ireland) 1953 (“the Direction”).

Agreed That the Committee is content that the Direction be renewed.


18.   Adult Restorative Justice Strategy – Fourth Annual Report and Accreditation Process update – Department of Justice written paper

The Committee noted the fourth Annual Report outlining the work undertaken and detailing progress made to deliver on the Department’s Adult Restorative Justice Strategy in the 2025-26 financial year.

The Committee also noted an update from the Department providing a list of accredited restorative justice organisations and practitioners.


19. Supporting Change – A Strategy for Women and Girls in, or at risk of contact with, the Justice System – Progress report 2022-2025 - Department of Justice written paper

The Committee noted the first progress report detailing work undertaken between April 2022 and March 2025  to deliver on the Department’s strategy for supporting women and girls in, or at risk of contact with, the justice system.


20.   Strategic framework for Youth Justice – Annual progress report and updated action plan – Department of Justice written paper

The Committee noted the fourth Annual Report detailing progress made to deliver on the Department’s Strategic Framework for Youth Justice, along with a copy of the Action Plan for 2026-27.  


21. Director of Legal Aid Casework - Legal Aid annual reports

The Committee noted an update from the Department advising the laying before the Assembly and publication of a number of annual reports in relation to legal aid.


22.   Correspondence

 

The Committee considered the following items of correspondence:

  • A response from the Department of Justice to further correspondence in relation to support for litigants in person, specifically in the context of the effective and just participation of persons with disabilities.

Agreed: To forward the individual’s correspondence and the Department’s responses to the Lady Chief Justice’s Office to request how the judiciary ensures effective participation of persons with disabilities.

  • An update from the Department of Justice on the progress and timeframes for completion of the review of the NI Search and Rescue Framework (NISAR) and the Internal Audit of NISAR.

Agreed: To forward the Department’s update to Ms Carla Lockhart MP, who had previously raised concerns on this matter with the Committee.

  • A response from the Department of Justice to correspondence received by the Committee concerning post-separation economic abuse.

Agreed: To forward the Department’s response to the individual who raised the matter with the Committee.

  • A response from the Department regarding its views on any provisions in the Hunting with Dogs Bill which may be relevant to the justice sector.

Agreed: To forward the Department’s response to the AERA Committee for information.

  • Responses from the Northern Ireland Policing Board and from the Department of Justice to further queries from two individuals regarding the Injury on Duty scheme.

Agreed: To forward relevant extracts from the responses to the individuals who raised the issues.

  • Further queries from an individual in relation to Injury on Duty awards.

Agreed: To forward to the individual the relevant extract in the recent response from the Department regarding the Injury on Duty scheme.

  • Correspondence from the Committee for the Economy, seeking views on the Renewable Electricity Generation Bill.

Agreed: To respond to the Economy Committee with a nil response.

  • Correspondence from the Committee for Communities seeking views on the Charities (Amendment) Bill, the Conversion Practices (Criminalisation) Bill, and the Housing (Amendment) Bill.

Agreed: To respond to the Communities Committee with a nil response on the Charities (Amendment) Bill and the Housing (Amendment) Bill.

Agreed: To ask the Department of Justice if it has any comments to make on aspects of the Conversion Practices (Criminalisation) Bill which may be relevant to the justice sector.

  • Two separate items of further correspondence from Neurology Justice collective.

Agreed: To forward both items of correspondence to the Department of Justice for comment and response on the issues raised relevant to the justice sector.

  • Three separate items of correspondence from an individual regarding the decision not to establish a Children and Families Regional Authority and a request to meet to discuss family justice, accountability and access to justice; and
  • Correspondence from another individual requesting to meet regarding concerns they have developed about the operation of family justice in Northern Ireland.

Ciara Ferguson left the meeting at 6.10pm.

Agreed: To advise both individuals of the work that the Committee has undertaken in respect of family justice and family courts; that, due to the legislative work and pressure on the forward work programme, the Committee is unable to take up the offers to meet at this time; and that the Committee may recommend in its End of Mandate Report that these issues are considered by a future Justice Committee.

  • Two items of correspondence from separate individuals both raising concerns about sentencing consistency, judicial accountability and public confidence in Northern Ireland’s justice system.

Agreed: To respond to the individuals advising the Committee is currently undertaking Committee Stage scrutiny of the Criminal Justice (Sentencing etc) Bill, which may include consideration of the issues raised in their correspondence.

Ciara Ferguson retuned to the meeting at 6.13pm.

  • Correspondence from an individual raising concerns regarding the change of criteria for reapplying for posts for the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) for prisons in Northern Ireland.

Agreed: To seek clarity from the Department of Justice on any changes to the criteria and what impact this has had on the ability to fill IMB vacancies.

  • Correspondence from an individual requesting that the Committee give consideration to safeguarding, accountability and justice in faith organisations.

Agreed: To forward the correspondence to the Department of Health for a response to the relevant issues.

  • Correspondence from an individual raising safeguarding concerns in relation to self-employed private tutors and requesting consideration of mandatory enhanced AccessNI checks for private tutors.

Agreed: To forward the correspondence to the Department of Justice for a response.

Emma Sheerin left the meeting at 6.15pm.

  • Correspondence and a research publication from ARK on ‘Experiences of Unvisited Men in Prison in NI.’

Agreed: To forward the research to the NI Prison Service for a response to its findings.

  • An invitation from the NI Fiscal Council to its fourth Annual Conference on Friday 25 September in PwC Belfast.

Agreed: That any Member wishing to attend the event should register directly via the link in the invitation.

  • Correspondence from an individual highlighting concerns regarding the use of privately owned vehicles by Community Service Supervisors within the Probation Board for Northern Ireland; and a copy of  response from the Probation Board to Connie Egan MLA to the concerns raised in the correspondence.

Agreed: To request a timeframe from the Probation Board for the review of working practices and to ask that the Committee is kept informed of this work.

Emma Sheerin returned to the meeting at 6.17pm.

The Committee noted the following items of correspondence:

  • Minister of Justice – Copy correspondence to the Health Committee regarding implementation of the Mental Capacity Act (Northern Ireland) 2016.
  • Minister of Justice – Copy correspondence to an individual regarding Pre-Release Testing prior to Tariff Expiry Date.
  • An individual  - Copy correspondence to Minister of Justice regarding concerns relating to pre-release testing of an individual.
  • An individual - Copy correspondence to Darren Smyth, Head of Prisoner Release Victim Information Scheme regarding a specific case.
  • An individual – Copy correspondence to Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission regarding a formal complaint in relation to the NIHRC Policy Team’s response to previous correspondence; to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland regarding a formal complaint in relation to not receiving acknowledgement or response to previous correspondence submission and a copy of a Parliamentary Complaint Form to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman issued and signed by Jim Allister MP.
  • Department of Justice – Response regarding Misuse of Scramblers and E-Scooters.
  • Northern Ireland Policing Board – Response regarding Misuse of Scramblers and E-Scooters.
  • Information Commissioner’s Office – Response to request for information regarding the judgment delivered on 18 March 2026 in The Police Service of Northern Ireland vs Information Commissioner in relation to gold mining.
  • An individual – Request for views on draft change.org petition “Employment Tribunal is Failing Disabled and Vulnerable Litigants”; and concerns surrounding care home investigations and the PSNI.
  • An individual – Concerns regarding fair access to civil and family justice in Northern Ireland.
  • Department of Justice – Response regarding Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJINI) Review Report of Probation Approved Premises.
  • Probation Board NI – Response regarding CJINI Review Report of Probation Approved Premises.
  • PSNI – Response regarding CJINI Review Report of Probation Approved Premises.
  • Department of Justice – Response regarding the CJINI Review of the Multi Agency Arrangements in NI.
  • HM Prison and Probation Service – Response regarding the CJINI Review of the Multi Agency Arrangements in NI.
  • PSNI – Response providing further information requested during the oral evidence session on the CJINI Report into Child Criminal Exploitation in Northern Ireland.
  • CJINI – Acknowledgement of congratulatory letter on appointment as Acting Chief Inspector; and Corporate Plan and Business Plan for 2026 27.
  • Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland – Acknowledgement of congratulatory letter on appointment as Police Ombudsman.
  • Department of Finance – Response regarding Interim sum orders in financial remedy proceedings.
  • The Executive Office – Response regarding the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme.
  • Committee for Finance – 2025-26 Public Expenditure Outturn and Forecast Outturn – May Position.
  • Department of Justice – Publication of the Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF) Annual Report and Threat Assessment 2024/25.
  • Homeless Connect – Copy of submission to the Call for Views on the Reducing Offending and Reoffending Strategy.
  • Independent Monitoring Board – Copy of letter to Minister for Border Security and Asylum raising concerns regarding treatment of individuals detained under the UK/France ‘one in, one out’ scheme (Operation Hillmore).
  • An individual – Copy correspondence to PPS regarding issues with the handling of a complaint.
  • ICO – Notification of publication of a blog article regarding the use of facial recognition in policing.
  • Department of Justice – Publication  of official statistics bulletin on ‘Case Processing Time for Criminal Cases Dealt with at Courts in Northern Ireland, 2025-26’.
  • Department of Justice – Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service (NICTS) Quarterly Provisional Figures & Mortgage Bulletin.
  • Pivotal – Report: Running out of Time: The Performance of the NI Executive.
  • Investment Strategy NI – Investing Activity Reports: Department of Justice, July 2026 and August 2026.

The Committee noted the following Annual Reports & Accounts received during the summer recess period:

  • Police Rehabilitation and Retaining Trust – Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26.
  • Youth Justice Agency – Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26.
  • Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service – Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26.
  • NI Prison Service – Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26.
  • Police Ombudsman for NI – Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26.
  • NI Probation Board – Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26.
  • PSNI – Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26.
  • Legal Services Agency NI – Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26.
  • Criminal Justice Inspection NI – Corporate Plan and Business Plan 2026-27.
  • Department of Justice – Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26.
  • Forensic Science NI – Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26.
  • NI Courts & Tribunal Service – Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26.
  • NI Policing Board - Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26.
  • Director of Legal Aid Casework – Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26.
  • Parole Commissioners for NI – Annual Report 2025-26.
  • National Crime Agency – Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26.


23. Forward Work Programme

The Committee considered the Department’s proposed forward work programme for September and the latest draft of the Committee’s forward work programme.

Agreed: To schedule the proposed work items from the Department of Justice in the Committee’s forward work programme.


24.   Chairperson’s Business

The Chairperson advised that he had attended an event to mark the Opening of the Legal Year on 7 September 2026 in his capacity as Chair of the Committee.


25.   Any Other Business

There was no other business.


26.   Date, Time and Place of the next meeting

Members were advised that the next meeting will take place on Thursday 17 September at 2.00pm in Room 30, Parliament Buildings.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 6.19pm.

Paul Frew MLA

Chairperson, Committee for Justice

17 September 2026