Paragraph 2 Admission to an inquiryI1

Northern Ireland

(1)

Subject to sub-paragraphs (2) to (4), an inquiry shall be held in public.

(2)

The Department may direct that the whole or any part of an inquiry be held in private if it is satisfied that by reason of—

(a)

the likelihood of disclosure of intimate personal or financial circumstances;

(b)

the likelihood of disclosure of commercially sensitive information or information obtained in confidence; or

(c)

exceptional circumstances not falling within head (a) or (b),

that it is just and reasonable for to do.

(3)

Where the hearing is in private the Department may admit such persons as it considers appropriate.

(4)

Without prejudice to sub-paragraph (2), where any question relating to the appropriate financial resources of any person is to be or is being considered during an inquiry, the Department may exclude such persons as it thinks fit from the part of the inquiry during which that question is considered.

Annotations

Commencement

I1: Sch. 3 para. 2 in operation at 1.7.2012, see reg. 1