New legislation will be required to underpin Northern Ireland's four new
Victims' Commissioners, the Assembly was told today.
First Minister Ian Paisley said it was hoped the legislation will be brought
forward as soon as possible, but the quartet of commissioners are for now
appointed as "designates".
Mr Paisley and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness also defended their
decision to appoint four commissioners rather than one — due to a "
significant backlog of urgent work".
MLAs, angry that the appointments were leaked before today's official
statement, also heard that the decision to re-advertise the then single
position had resulted in 38 new applicants.
But it is understood that at least one of those appointed, former UTV Live
anchorman Mike Nesbitt, was on the shortlist from the original pool of
applicants.
Mr Paisley also argued a single commissioner would "inevitably"
have been forced to delegate many activities, including consultation and
liaison, to a secretariat and many specific projects would have had to be
undertaken by consultants.
"Obviously" though, Mr Paisley added, administrative support will
still be provided to the four commissioners.
"It is our intention to make formal appointments in due course, but we
must first introduce the necessary legislation to create the Victims'
Commission," the DUP leader said.
Before Mr McGuinness was due to take questions from Assembly members, Mr
Paisley set out that the initial tasks for the commissioners would include a
review of support services and the setting up of a Victims and Survivors'
Forum.
Hi: 17°C / Lw: 13°C
Revealed: Ulster's most dangerous roads
Deputy First Minister in Baghdad for peace mission
Thomas Beattie gives birth to healthy baby girl
Iran warns: attack us and we'll strike you back
Swimsuit photo shoot in buildup to Vietnam final
Federer and Nadal set for Centre court final
Mandela honoured with the class of 2008
Supporters that made Euro 2008 one to remember
Fashion of the wives throughout the tournament
Pop princess Minogue wows fans at Odyssey gig
Try your luck in our GAA 'pick the score' competition
Looking forward to the famous biking event
Ship's Belfast beginnings celebrated in exhibition
Applauding Ulster's most exceptional women
Special report on Northern Ireland's worst house fire
Celebrating excellence at the inaugural awards gala 
Special multimedia report on Belfast Wheel