The Secretary of State, Rt Hon , has today announced
the appointment of Dr Jonny Byrne as the Independent Reviewer of
the exercised powers under the Justice and Security (Northern
Ireland) Act 2007 and National Security Arrangements.
Dr Byrne will replace Professor Marie Breen Smyth with effect
from 1 February 2024.
Dr Jonny Byrne is currently a Lecturer in criminology and
criminal justice, in the School of Criminology, Social Policy and
Politics at Ulster University. He lectures on issues relating to
policing and security, countering violent extremism and
psychology within the criminal justice system.
He has completed a number of research projects on public
attitudes to peace walls, paramilitary violence, young people’s
participation in political violence, community experiences of
public order policing in Northern Ireland, bonfires, and the
manipulations of commemorations and celebrations in a contested
society.
Background:
The role of the Independent Reviewer of Justice & Security is
set out within the Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Act
2007. The reviewer plays a key role in providing confidence that
the powers are being closely scrutinised and used proportionately
by the policing and legal system.
The Independent Reviewer of National Security Arrangements
provides assurances around the role of security services in
Northern Ireland and their interactions with the PSNI.
Terms of appointment:
- Length of appointment: Three years from 1 February 2024
- Remuneration: £650 per day
- Pension: The position is not pensionable
- Time Requirements: 45 days per annum across both roles
Political Activity:
All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays
no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the
original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for
appointees’ political activity in defined categories within the
last five years to be made public. Dr Byrne has not been engaged
in any political activity in the last five years.
Regulation:
The Commissioner for Public Appointments does not regulate this
appointment.
