12th May 2008

SP 01/08

STANDARDS AND PRIVILEGES COMMITTEE TO CONSULT ON DRAFT CODE OF CONDUCT

The Committee on Standards and Privileges today announced the start of its public consultation on the draft Code of Conduct for MLAs.

The Committee, which has proposed a number of amendments to the Code, will conclude its deliberations following consultation with both the public and MLAs. The finalised Code will be presented to the Assembly for agreement in the autumn.

Carmel Hanna MLA, Chairperson of the Committee said,

“This document is as much a matter of interest for the public as it is for Members of the Assembly. It provides the framework under which Members may be held accountable for their conduct by their peers and the electorate.

The Committee agreed that a wide consultation on this document was essential if we are to have a robust Code that reflects the expectations of wider society in relation to the probity of elected representatives.”

The 12 week consultation period will begin on 12 th May with responses due back before noon on the 4 th August.

ENDS

Notes for Editor:

The Committee on Standards and Privileges is a Standing Committee of the Northern Ireland Assembly. The Committee’s areas of responsibility include the consideration of matters relating to the conduct of members; the examination of arrangements for the compilation, maintenance and accessibility of the Register of Members’ Interests; and the consideration of matters relating to privilege.

The membership of the Committee on Standards and Privileges are as follows:

Mrs Carmel Hanna (Chairperson)
Mr Willie Clark (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr Allan Bresland
Mr Francie Brolly
Rev Robert Coulter
Mr Alex Easton
Mr David Hilditch
Mrs Claire McGill
Mr Alastair Ross
Mr George Savage
Mr Brian Wilson

All enquiries regarding the work of the Committee should be directed to the Clerk of Standards, Dr Kevin Pelan, Room 284, Parliament Buildings, Belfast, BT4 3XX (028 905 20333).

Media enquiries should be addressed to:

Debra Savage,
Northern Ireland Assembly Information Office,
Room B2, Parliament Buildings,
Belfast BT4 3XX.
Telephone 028 90521405
Mobile: 07920864221
Fax 028 90521961

Website Address: archive.niassembly.gov.uk
E-mail: debra.savage@niassembly.gov.uk