ASSEMBLY AGREES NEW CODE OF CONDUCT FOR MLAS

A new Code of Conduct for MLAs was today agreed by the Northern Ireland Assembly. The new Code, which had been agreed unanimously and brought forward by the Committee on Standards and Privileges, will introduce a number of changes designed to increase transparency and accountability.

Chairperson of the Committee, Carmel Hanna, MLA said: “It has never been more important to ensure that we have public trust and confidence in the integrity of elected representatives.

“This new Code of Conduct agreed by the Assembly will provide a more transparent system to ensure that MLAs put public interest ahead of their private interests. It will establish openness and accountability as key elements of the Code and will maintain the integrity of the Assembly by holding Members to the high ethical standards expected of them by everyone in Northern Ireland.”

The most significant changes passed by the Assembly are that MLAs will be required to register all outside earnings and the time they spend on these activities. They will also need to register family members who benefit from any Members’ Allowance, for example a family member who is employed through the Office Cost Allowance. The Assembly will also be able to suspend Members without pay if they are found to have breached the new Code.

Carmel Hanna continued: “This new Code represents a further step by the Standards and Privileges Committee in ensuring that there is a greater degree of openness and accountability at the Assembly.

“The Committee has already called for an urgent review of the rules governing MLAs’ Office Cost Allowances and is pleased that the Assembly Commission has begun this important work. The Committee will continue to keep the issue of Members’ conduct under review and will not hesitate from taking whatever steps are necessary to ensure that the public can have confidence in the integrity of the Assembly and its Members.”

ENDS

Notes for Editor:

1. The new Northern Ireland Assembly Code of Conduct and Guide to Rules Relating to the Conduct of Members will come into effect on 12 October 2009 (4 weeks after Members return for the 1 st plenary of new session). This will give Members an opportunity to review the new Code and become fully aware of the new requirements.

2. The new Code and Guide will replace the existing versions which were agreed in 1999 and amended in 2001.

3. The complete report can be obtained via the Committee’s homepage on the Northern Ireland Assembly website at: http://archive.niassembly.gov.uk/standards/2007mandate/standards.htm

4. Membership of the Committee on Standards and Privileges is as follows:

Mrs Carmel Hanna (Chair)
Mr Willie Clarke (Deputy Chair)
Mr Allen Bresland
Mr Francie Brolly
Rev Dr Robert Coulter
Mr Jonathan Craig
Mr David Hilditch
Mr Paul Maskey
Mr Alastair Ross
Mr George Savage
Mr Brian Wilson

5. Enquiries about the work of the Committee should be directed to the Clerk of the Committee, Mr Paul Gill, Room 284, Parliament Buildings, Stormont, Belfast BT4 3XX. Telephone 028 90520333.

6. For any media enquiries, please contact:

Northern Ireland Assembly,
Communications Office,
Room B4,
Parliament Buildings,
Belfast,
BT4 3XX
Telephone: 028 9052 1137
Email – info.office@niassembly.gov.uk