Land Tribunal

The Lands Tribunal for Northern Ireland is established as a court of record by the Lands Tribunal and Compensation Act (Northern Ireland) 1964. It consists of a President and such number, if any, of other members as the Minister for Finance from time to time determines with the agreement of the Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Commission. They are appointed by the Commission.

The President is required to be a barrister at law with not less than seven years of standing, and the same applies to other members of the Tribunal.

Members are appointed to the Lands Tribunal until their retirement, and the terms of appointment are as prescribed by the Minister.

A member of the Lands Tribunal shall not practice at the Bar or be a solicitor directly or indirectly, nor be involved in any personal practices, law, or valuation or dealing in land. There is provision for the payment of remuneration to judges of the Lands Tribunal.

The Minister appoints officers and employees to assist the Lands Tribunal in the performance of its functions, and determines terms of service, superannuation, etc.

The Lands Tribunal has the following jurisdiction: Questions of disputed compensation arising on compulsory acquisition, together with any further jurisdiction as may be conferred by the Department.

The jurisdiction of the Lands Tribunal may be exercised by one or more of its members, and reference to the Tribunal is interpreted accordingly. When the Land Tribunal consists of one or more members, they are selected by the President.

A person may require the Lands Tribunal to state a case for the decision of the Court of Appeal on a point of law. The Lands Tribunal may order that costs be paid by one party to the other or be settled or taxed.

Rules are made regarding proceedings and procedures before the Lands Tribunal, along with the fees to be paid.

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