(2020-2023) INDEPENDENT REVIEWER OF THE JUSTICE AND SECURITY (NI) ACT 2007
I was appointed as Independent Reviewer of powers exercised under the Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Act 2007 in 2020 for a three year term of office.
The function of the Reviewer is to review the operation of sections 21 to 32 of the Justice and Security (NI) Act 2007 and report annually to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
The Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Act 2007 is reviewed annually by me and my report is laid before parliament in the spring of each year. The review period is from 1 August – 31 July each year.
Previous reviewers were Robert Whaley CB (2007-2013), David Seymour CB (2014-2020).
You can read and download copies of all my reports to date and those of my predecessors at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/annual-reports-of-the-independent-reviewer-of-justice-and-security-northern-ireland-act-2007
(2020-2023) INDEPENDENT REVIEWER OF NATIONAL SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland appointed me as Independent Reviewer of National Security Arrangements in Northern Ireland with effect from 1 February 2022 for a period of one year.
In this role, I annually review the operation of the arrangements for national security matters. I monitor compliance with Annex E of the St. Andrews Agreement 2006, reviewing the relationship between MI5 and PSNI in handling national security matters.
You can read the St Andrew’s Agreement at
I report to the Secretary of State in a secret report, a declassified version of which is in the public domain at https://www.theyworkforyou.com/wms/?id=2023-05-18.hcws783.h
(2025 – ) INTERIM INDEPENDENT CHAIR OF THE VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS FORUM FOR THE PUBLIC INQUIRY INTO MOTHER AND BABY HOMES, MAGDALENE LAUNDRIES AND WORKHOUSES IN NORTHERN IRELAND.
You can contact me about this role at Marie.Breen-Smyth@executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk
mariebreensmyth.com 