House Of Lords Speech

My Lords, the purpose of the draft Commissioner for Children and Young People (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 is to create the important new public office of Commissioner with the aim of safeguarding and promoting the rights and best interests of children and young people in Northern Ireland.

The draft Order reflects a unique approach in Northern Ireland to an issue which has been considered in the other jurisdictions of the UK. Consultation last year revealed overwhelming support across the political spectrum and across the population of Northern Ireland.

My Lords, moving on to the detailed provisions, the Order provides for a four-year term of appointment, renewable once, by the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, with accountability by way of annual reports. However, in day-to-day operation, the Commissioner will be independent and free to determine his/her own priorities. The draft Order sets out a number of guiding principles for the Commissioner; chief of which is a requirement that the rights of the child must be the Commissioner's paramount consideration; but others include, for example, a requirement to have regard to the role of parents.

The draft Order provides for a comprehensive and wide-ranging remit – encompassing all children and young people from birth to 18 or 21 if they are disabled or care-leavers – and the full spectrum of public authorities whose activities affect children and young people – including those operating in the non-devolved field, such as juvenile justice agencies. The functions proposed range from the promotion of rights and best interests of children, through to advocacy and assisting/intervening in legal proceedings; to reviewing the arrangements made by authorities for handling whistle-blowing and complaints – through to investigating complaints him/herself in particular circumstances. These functions are accompanied by a range of powers such as power to compel disclosure of information and powers of entry, but with safeguards against abuse, built in and appropriate checks and balances.

My Lords, this Order which had the full support of the NI Assembly prior to suspension, will make Northern Ireland a world leader in safeguarding children's rights. My Lords, I beg to move.