Ford publishes consultation on the governance of the Public Prosecution Service

Justice Minister David Ford today launched a consultation on the future governance of the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) on behalf of the Executive.
~ Wednesday, 8 February 2012

Current statutory arrangements involve a consultative relationship between the Attorney General and the PPS, as well as arrangements for accountability to the Assembly on finance and administration matters. These were set down in the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 but came into effect only on devolution of justice in 2010.

Launching the consultation, David Ford said; “Public confidence in the arrangements for prosecuting offenders is a vital part of confidence in justice. A number of bodies including the Assembly and Executive Review Committee have called for current arrangements to be reviewed. This consultation invites views across the board – from public representatives, voluntary and community groups, academics and anyone who has come into contact with the justice system – on the best balance between the PPS’s independence and accountability in the future.”

The consultation paper sets out a range of options for accountability arrangements for the PPS, including the role of the Attorney General, but welcomes any views to inform decisions by the Executive.

Notes to editors

1. The consultation document can be found at: http://www.dojni.gov.uk/consultation-on-the-governance-and-accountability-of-the-pps
2. Responses are invited by Friday 4 May 2012.
3. PPS is a non-Ministerial department and is not part of the Department of Justice. However it was agreed that the Department should lead the
   consultation given the Justice Minister’s wider interests in the effective operation of the Criminal Justice System.
4. All media enquiries should be directed to the Department of Justice Press Office on 028 9052 6444. Out of office hours please contact the duty press
   officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.