Four victims' commissioners have already been appointed

The Victims' Commissioner Bill will retrospectively confirm the appointments of four commissioners, rather than one as originally agreed.

The legislation will go before the executive next week.

Sources within the assembly said that some members were unhappy that it is being rushed through and have asked for more time.

A Stormont committee agreed - by a majority vote - to an accelerated passage of the bill when they met on Wednesday.

It will begin its passage through the assembly after Easter, effectively by-passing the committee stage.

In January, details of Northern Ireland's victims' commissioners were revealed.

The four commissioners include broadcaster Mike Nesbitt and ex-interim victims' commissioner Bertha McDougall.

The others are Patricia MacBride, whose brother was killed by the SAS and whose father died 17 months after being shot by loyalists, and Brendan McAllister of Mediation NI.

All four posts are full-time and receive the full advertised salary of �65,000.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said he and First Minister Ian Paisley had taken legal advice before deciding to appoint four commissioners rather than one.

The post is intended to promote the interests of victims of the Troubles.