asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 6 February (WA 129-30), what requirements were stipulated in the job specification for the post of Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland in 2001; and whether they propose to make any changes when the post is re-advertised in 2007. [HL2067]

The requirements for the post of Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland were stated in the application form for the post and included the competences: leadership and teamwork, organisation awareness/knowledge, developing and maintaining networks, managing financial and physical resources, judgment and decision-making, and customer service. The appointment process for the next Police Ombudsman will begin shortly. In line with the practice for all public appointments, this will begin with consideration of the job specification.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answers by Lord Rooker on 5 February (WA 98-101), what assessment they have made of the work output and value for money of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland (PONI); whether they will review the number of investigating officers employed by the PONI; and whether they have any proposals to reduce the PONI's budget. [HL2113]

Evaluation of the work output and value for money of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland is an ongoing process through assessment of annual budgetary estimates and programmes submitted by the office and in-year monitoring of expenditure in keeping with public expenditure accountability processes and requirements. The ombudsman is responsible for determining staffing levels, including investigating officers, within allocated budgets. There are no plans to reduce the budget allocated to the Office of the Police Ombudsman.