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Civil Service: Northern Ireland Public Appointments

Volume 688: debated on Tuesday 9 January 2007

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Regarding the decision of Mr Justice Girvan of 9 November, in the High Court in Belfast in the Brenda Downes's judicial review, whether they intend to appeal the decision; and, if not, whether they intend to take any action in respect of the head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service and the Permanent Secretary of the Northern Ireland Office following criticisms by the judge about a public appointment in Northern Ireland. [HL146]

The proceedings in this case have not yet concluded. The Government will make a decision on whether to appeal once an order has been made. Separately the Attorney-General announced on 4 December 2006 that he had asked Mr Peter Scott QC to review the issues referred to him by Mr Justice Girvan.