Published Date: 12.09.2003

The Office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland is to be among a number of public bodies which will now have part of its investigative work covered by the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act.

The Act provides a legal framework for certain aspects of investigative work carried out by public bodies.

Among the organisations which already have powers under, and are governed by the Act are the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the Compensation Agency and the Housing Executive.

The Police Ombudsman, Mrs Nuala O'Loan, has welcomed the move:

"The inclusion of this Office under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act will help develop the legal framework under which we can provide a completely independent and impartial investigation of complaints. It will help us to continue to provide a service to the people and the police in Northern Ireland," she said.