The tribunals, ordered by Attorney General John Larkin, were halted when senior coroner John Leckey questioned whether he had exceeded his powers.

BBC: Northern Ireland

NI's senior coroner has suspended 14 inquests that were ordered by the NI Attorney General, John Larkin.

BBC: John Leckey (l) John Mr Larkin (r)

The Attorney General, John Larkin, told the Stormont finance committee on 19 September 2012 that the retrospective nature of the bill might fall foul of the Convention.

BBC: Civil Service (Special Advisers) Bill: Second stage