{ "format" : "linked-data-api", "version" : "0.2", "result" : {"_about" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?AnsweringBody.=Northern+Ireland+Office&max-answer.dateOfAnswer=2016-02-25&max-answer.questionFirstAnswered.=2016-02-24T12%3A17%3A29.947Z", "definition" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/meta/answeredquestions.text?AnsweringBody.=Northern+Ireland+Office&max-answer.dateOfAnswer=2016-02-25&max-answer.questionFirstAnswered.=2016-02-24T12%3A17%3A29.947Z", "extendedMetadataVersion" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?AnsweringBody.=Northern+Ireland+Office&_metadata=all&max-answer.dateOfAnswer=2016-02-25&max-answer.questionFirstAnswered.=2016-02-24T12%3A17%3A29.947Z", "first" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?_page=0&AnsweringBody.=Northern+Ireland+Office&max-answer.dateOfAnswer=2016-02-25&max-answer.questionFirstAnswered.=2016-02-24T12%3A17%3A29.947Z", "hasPart" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?AnsweringBody.=Northern+Ireland+Office&max-answer.dateOfAnswer=2016-02-25&max-answer.questionFirstAnswered.=2016-02-24T12%3A17%3A29.947Z", "isPartOf" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?AnsweringBody.=Northern+Ireland+Office&max-answer.dateOfAnswer=2016-02-25&max-answer.questionFirstAnswered.=2016-02-24T12%3A17%3A29.947Z", "items" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/452505", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Northern Ireland Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/452505/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

This information is not held and to provide it would incur a disproportionate cost.<\/p>

<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1500", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Theresa Villiers"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Chipping Barnet"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mrs Theresa Villiers"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2016-02-22", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2016-02-22T13:07:56.197Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "21"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Northern Ireland"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Northern Ireland"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2016-02-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Northern Ireland Office: Pay"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what the average hourly earnings of (a) female, (b) male, (c) full-time and (d) part-time employees of her Department were in each of the last five years.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/533", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for David Hanson"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Delyn"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr David Hanson"} ], "uin" : "27005"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/452506", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Northern Ireland Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/452506/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

In October 2012, I informed the families that I agreed with my predecessor\u2019s decision not to hold a public inquiry into the events in Ballymurphy. I explained this position when I met the families in January 2013. I considered the families\u2019 more recent request for an independent review panel carefully. On 29 April 2014, I advised the families of my decision against instigating an independent review panel. I do not believe the balance of public interest lies in establishing an inquiry or independent review into the deaths in Ballymurphy in August 1971. I do not believe that such a review would provide answers which are not already in the public domain or covered by existing legal processes such as the inquests.<\/p>

<\/p>

I continue to receive representations from members of the public, politicians and others seeking further investigation into the events in Ballymurphy and into various other events that occurred during the troubles.<\/p>

<\/strong><\/p>

<\/strong><\/p>

<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1500", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Theresa Villiers"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Chipping Barnet"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mrs Theresa Villiers"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2016-02-22", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2016-02-22T12:55:51.823Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "21"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Northern Ireland"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Northern Ireland"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2016-02-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Army"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what recent representations she has had on a public inquiry into events in Ballymurphy in August 1971; and if she will make a statement.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/360", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Coaker"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Gedling"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Vernon Coaker"} ], "uin" : "27166"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/452507", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Northern Ireland Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/452507/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

I have discussed the importance of air connectivity between Northern Ireland and London and the work of the Airports Commission with Ministers in the Government, the Northern Ireland Executive and airport operators.<\/p>

<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1500", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Theresa Villiers"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Chipping Barnet"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mrs Theresa Villiers"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2016-02-22", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "27170"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2016-02-22T13:18:47.943Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "21"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Northern Ireland"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Northern Ireland"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2016-02-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Airports"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what representations she has received on the effect on Northern Ireland of proposals for new runway capacity in the London area.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1388", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Dodds of Duncairn"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Belfast North"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Nigel Dodds"} ], "uin" : "27171"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/452508", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Northern Ireland Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/452508/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

I have discussed the importance of air connectivity between Northern Ireland and London and the work of the Airports Commission with Ministers in the Government, the Northern Ireland Executive and airport operators.<\/p>

<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1500", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Theresa Villiers"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Chipping Barnet"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mrs Theresa Villiers"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2016-02-22", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "27171"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2016-02-22T13:18:47.88Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "21"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Northern Ireland"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Northern Ireland"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2016-02-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Airports"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what discussions she has had with (a) the Northern Ireland Executive and (b) airport operators in Northern Ireland and Great Britain on the Airports Commission: Final Report, published in July 2015.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1388", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Dodds of Duncairn"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Belfast North"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Nigel Dodds"} ], "uin" : "27170"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/452105", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Northern Ireland Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/452105/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

As I set out in my speech on 11 February, this Government condemns terrorism. We take very seriously the needs of victims of terrorism who, it is important to remember, suffered the most as a result of the Northern Ireland troubles. My Department has assisted the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee in its call for evidence on the issue of Libyan-sponsored IRA terrorism. The Government has every sympathy for the victims of these appalling atrocities. I would of course encourage anyone who can help the Committee with its work to do so.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1500", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Theresa Villiers"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Chipping Barnet"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mrs Theresa Villiers"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2016-02-22", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2016-02-22T13:28:56.38Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "21"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Northern Ireland"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Northern Ireland"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2016-02-10", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Terrorism: Northern Ireland"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if she will make representations to Rt Hon Tony Blair to request that he accede to requests from the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee to give oral evidence on compensation for victims of IRA violence.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4131", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Jim Shannon"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Strangford"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Jim Shannon"} ], "uin" : "26768"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/452106", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Northern Ireland Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/452106/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

No one working in my Department is in receipt of any of these allowances.<\/p>

<\/p>

My Department has two executive non-departmental public bodies \u2013 the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and the Parades Commission for Northern Ireland; and one advisory non-departmental public body \u2013 the Boundary Commission for Northern Ireland. As these bodies are independent of Government, the hon Member may wish to write to the Commissions directly on these matters \u2013 contact details are set out below:<\/p>

<\/p>

ALB<\/strong><\/p><\/td>

Status<\/strong><\/p><\/td>

Contact Details<\/strong><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Parades Commission for Northern Ireland<\/p><\/td>

Executive NDPB<\/p><\/td>

info@paradescommission.org<\/a><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission<\/p><\/td>

Executive NDPB<\/p><\/td>

information@nihrc.org<\/a><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Boundary Commission for Northern Ireland<\/p><\/td>

Advisory NDPB<\/p><\/td>

contact@boundarycommission.org.uk<\/a><\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>

<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1500", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Theresa Villiers"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Chipping Barnet"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mrs Theresa Villiers"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2016-02-22", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2016-02-22T13:04:08.43Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "21"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Northern Ireland"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Northern Ireland"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2016-02-10", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Northern Ireland Office: Fringe Benefits"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many staff in her Department and non-departmental public bodies receive (a) home to work travel allowance, (b) a car allowance and (c) subsidised health insurance.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1565", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Philip Davies"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Shipley"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Philip Davies"} ], "uin" : "26823"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/451671", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Northern Ireland Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/451671/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

My Rt hon Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions wrote to the Northern Ireland Executive in July 2015 on introduction of the life chances clauses in the Welfare Reform and Work Bill. As well as setting out the Government\u2019s approach to child poverty and improving life chances, and inviting the Northern Ireland Executive to consider amendments they might wish to have introduced, he set out that he did not consider that legislative consent was required for any of the provisions as introduced.<\/p>

<\/strong><\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1500", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Theresa Villiers"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Chipping Barnet"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mrs Theresa Villiers"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2016-02-22", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2016-02-22T12:46:33.137Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "21"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Northern Ireland"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Northern Ireland"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2016-02-09", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Welfare Reform and Work Bill"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether the amendments to the Child Poverty Act 2010 in the Welfare Reform and Work Bill require a Legislative Consent Motion to be brought before the Northern Ireland Assembly.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1594", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mark Durkan"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Foyle"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mark Durkan"} ], "uin" : "26590"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/451672", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Northern Ireland Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/451672/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

The Welfare Reform (Northern Ireland) Order 2015 does not include any reference to the Child Poverty Act 2010.<\/p>

<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1500", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Theresa Villiers"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Chipping Barnet"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mrs Theresa Villiers"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2016-02-22", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2016-02-22T12:48:15.157Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "21"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Northern Ireland"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Northern Ireland"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2016-02-09", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Welfare Reform and Work Bill"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether the amendments to the Child Poverty Act 2010 in the Welfare Reform and Work Bill are included in the welfare clauses referred to in the Northern Ireland (Welfare Reform) Order 2015.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1594", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mark Durkan"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Foyle"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mark Durkan"} ], "uin" : "26591"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/451673", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Northern Ireland Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/451673/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

Section 133 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 requires the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland or, in relation to most criminal offences in Northern Ireland, the Department of Justice, to pay compensation where a person\u2019s conviction for a criminal offence has been reversed or he has been pardoned on the grounds that a new or newly discovered fact shows beyond reasonable doubt that there has been a miscarriage of justice. The amount of compensation awarded in these cases is assessed by an independent assessor.<\/p>

Section 175 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 inserted subsection (1ZA) into section 133 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988, providing a statutory definition of \u201cmiscarriage of justice\u201d. In accordance with this new provision, the Secretary of State will only pay compensation for a \u201cmiscarriage of justice\u201d where the new or newly discovered fact (on the basis of which the conviction was reversed) shows beyond reasonable doubt that the person did not commit the offence of which they were convicted. In Northern Ireland this new definition applies in relation to applications for compensation in cases involving sensitive national security information, which applications are determined by the Secretary of State rather than the Northern Ireland Department of Justice.<\/p>

I believe that this clear definition enshrined in statute makes decisions on eligibility more transparent and less likely to be the subject of legal challenge and ensures (in those cases in Northern Ireland to which it applies) that compensation will only be paid where it is clear the person did not commit the offence of which they were convicted.<\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1500", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Theresa Villiers"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Chipping Barnet"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mrs Theresa Villiers"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2016-02-22", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "26437"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2016-02-22T12:53:25.443Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "21"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Northern Ireland"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Northern Ireland"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2016-02-09", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Miscarriages of Justice: Compensation"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if she will make an assessment of the effect of the application of section 133 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 on the payment of compensation relating to cases in Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/360", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Coaker"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Gedling"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Vernon Coaker"} ], "uin" : "26436"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/451674", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Northern Ireland Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/451674/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

Section 133 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 requires the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland or, in relation to most criminal offences in Northern Ireland, the Department of Justice, to pay compensation where a person\u2019s conviction for a criminal offence has been reversed or he has been pardoned on the grounds that a new or newly discovered fact shows beyond reasonable doubt that there has been a miscarriage of justice. The amount of compensation awarded in these cases is assessed by an independent assessor.<\/p>

Section 175 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 inserted subsection (1ZA) into section 133 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988, providing a statutory definition of \u201cmiscarriage of justice\u201d. In accordance with this new provision, the Secretary of State will only pay compensation for a \u201cmiscarriage of justice\u201d where the new or newly discovered fact (on the basis of which the conviction was reversed) shows beyond reasonable doubt that the person did not commit the offence of which they were convicted. In Northern Ireland this new definition applies in relation to applications for compensation in cases involving sensitive national security information, which applications are determined by the Secretary of State rather than the Northern Ireland Department of Justice.<\/p>

I believe that this clear definition enshrined in statute makes decisions on eligibility more transparent and less likely to be the subject of legal challenge and ensures (in those cases in Northern Ireland to which it applies) that compensation will only be paid where it is clear the person did not commit the offence of which they were convicted.<\/p>

<\/p>

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