Following the discovery of what appears to be a serious breach in its procedures, Ulster Unionist MP Tom Elliott has questioned the accountability of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.
Mr Elliott said:
“For years I have questioned the accountability of the Police Ombudsman's office, which can seemingly issue reports that may not be factually accurate but with no mechanism in place to challenge such inaccuracy.
“The role of PONI is to have an oversight role and investigate actions by Northern Ireland police officers. However, there is no mechanism or oversight of the Police Ombudsman and the Office. It appears they have the role of investigator, judge and jury without any appeal or oversight mechanism.
“Given that there appears to be a serious breach in their procedures this is an opportune time for a full investigation and review of that Office. Immediate questions already arise from this potential breach:
“Who or what agency is conducting the investigation?
“Why has it only been made public now (after the individual has resigned) if it started in June?
“What supervision existed of the individual down through the years?
“Will supervisors be investigated?
“Where does accountability lie?
“These are all issues that require immediate answers. I look forward to hearing from the Minister of Justice on these matters.”