Commission takes information handling requirements seriously
Responding to a consultation issued by the Northern Ireland Office about making regulations under section 34 of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023, Commissioner for Investigations, Peter Sheridan said: “The Commission takes its obligations to handle all information it receives seriously. Requesting individuals and witnesses must have the confidence that any information they give us is protected and used properly.”
A consultation was launched by the Northern Ireland Office about regulations it will be making to place legal requirements about how the Commission handles information within its control. The Commission recognises that it needs to have robust procedures and systems in place so that information, no matter how received, is given the protection it needs and is used properly. It is undertaking work to achieve this and accepts that regulations are a helpful guide to give confidence and a firm legal basis in this regard.
It is important that people are able to input into the design of the Commission, including the regulatory framework, so the Commission encourages people to respond to this consultation. The consultation published by the Northern Ireland Office will be open until 5pm on 26 March 2024. More information including on how to submit responses can be found here.