Paragraph 21

Schedule 10 to the Social Security (Northern Ireland) Act 1975 (supplementary provision as to Local Tribunals, Commissioners etc) is amended as follows.

In paragraph 6 (Commissioners' pensions), after sub-paragraph (1) insert—

“(1ZA)

The Lord Chancellor must consult the Lord Chief Justice before satisfying himself as mentioned in sub-paragraph (1)(c).

(1ZB)

The Lord Chief Justice may nominate any of the following to exercise his functions under sub-paragraph (1ZA)—

(a)

the holder of one of the offices listed in Schedule 1 to the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002;

(b)

a Lord Justice of Appeal (as defined in section 88 of that Act).”

In paragraph 7 (Commissioners' pensions: supplementary), after sub-paragraph (5) insert—

“(5A)

The Lord Chancellor must consult the Lord Chief Justice before requiring a person to resume the duties of Commissioner in accordance with sub-paragraph (5).

(5B)

The Lord Chief Justice may nominate any of the following to exercise his functions under sub-paragraph (5A)—

(a)

the holder of one of the offices listed in Schedule 1 to the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002;

(b)

a Lord Justice of Appeal (as defined in section 88 of that Act).”