To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the staff of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland are bound by the same rules of confidentiality as other public servants. (118513)

The staff of the Office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland are bound by the same rules of confidentiality as other public servants.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to make provision for the next police ombudsman in Northern Ireland to be a person of judicial standing. (118514)

The next police ombudsman for Northern Ireland will be appointed following competition conducted under the public appointments process. The appointment will be made on merit, judged against a list of competences appropriate to the post.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to appoint the next police ombudsman for Northern Ireland; what the timescale is for such an appointment; and whether it will be made under existing legislation. (118515)

The next police ombudsman for Northern Ireland will be appointed in accordance with the Commissioner For Public Appointments code of practice and in compliance with existing legislation. The appointment process will begin shortly.