13. To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what mechanisms are in place by which the Police Ombudsman’s office can be held accountable in respect of complaints made against her office. (144677)

The Chief Executive of the Office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland is responsible for addressing all maladministration complaints made against the Office, and ensures that all such matters are examined within the Office’s Satisfaction Policy and Procedures in place. If complainants are still not satisfied with the explanation given by the Chief Executive, the matter can then be raised with the Secretary of State, who will consider the case independently, and with due consideration given of all the evidence that is made available to him.