NI: Department of Justice takes on new responsibilities
![NI: Department of Justice takes on new responsibilities](https://gallery.mailchimp.com/f3db92458376702a006e7c0d9/images/b730bdd3-be15-465a-ad74-bed83603fcd2.png)
Northern Ireland’s Department of Justice has taken on new responsibilities under departmental changes agreed in cross-party talks last year.
The reduction in the number of government departments from 12 to 9 will see the DOJ also encompass the Planning Appeals Commission and Water Appeals Commission administrative support from OFMDFM.
The changes take effect from today following the Northern Ireland Assembly elections last Thursday.
It is not yet clear who will succeed outgoing Justice Minister David Ford. Negotiations to form the next Northern Ireland Executive are set to begin later today.
Mr Ford’s party colleague Stephen Farry has previously been named in connection with the role.