Debate contribution: Justice Bill: Consideration Stage

Debate contribution by Mr Maurice Bradley on 16 June 2026.

MLA: Mr Maurice Bradley
Party at the time: Democratic Unionist Party
Date: 16 June 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Executive Committee Business
Heading: Justice Bill: Consideration Stage
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5625207

Text

I thank the Minister for that intervention; it has cleared up quite a bit. Accreditation should mean more than adding names to a register. It must provide genuine assurance of competence, professionalism and accountability. Restorative justice can play an important role in rehabilitation, but public confidence depends on robust oversight, clear standards and effective scrutiny. If I may, I will address amendment No 87. New clause 26A(3) says that "requirements may include". I would like to see a change in that wording to "must" or "shall". New clause 26A(5) says:
"The Chief Inspector may carry out inspections".
I would like to see "may" replaced by "must" or "shall". Where new clause 26A(6) says:
"The Department may remove a person from the register",
I would like to see "may" replaced by "must" or "shall". I hope that the Minister can address those points when she is summing up.

147 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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