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Attorney General for Northern Ireland: Public Appointments

Volume 485: debated on Thursday 11 December 2008

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what process governs the appointment of the Attorney General Northern Ireland. (241021)

The responsibilities of the Attorney-General for Northern Ireland (AGNI) currently attach ex officio to the Attorney-General for England and Wales. After devolution of criminal justice functions, the arrangements for appointment of the AGNI will be as set out in Part 2 of the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002, which provides that the appointment is a matter for the First Minister and deputy First Minister. Section 22(6) requires that a person appointed as AGNI must be a member of the Bar of Northern Ireland or a solicitor of at least 10 years' standing.