PRESS RELEASE

26th September 2007

SP 04/07

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON STANDARDS AND PRIVILEGES ANNOUNCES REVIEW OF THE MEMBERS’ CODE OF CONDUCT

The Committee on Standards and Privileges formally announced today the beginning of its review of the Assembly’s ‘Code of Conduct’ and ‘The Guide to the Rules Relating to the Conduct of Members’.

Mrs Carmel Hanna, Chairperson of the Committee, stated:

“The ‘Code of Conduct’ and ‘The Guide to the Rules Relating to the Conduct of Members’ address issues related to the conduct of Members and the registration and declaration of Members’ interests. Their purpose is to assist Members in the discharge of their obligations to the Assembly, their constituents and the public at large.

The role of the Committee on Standards and Privileges is underpinned by these documents which provide the framework within which the Committee carries out its functions, as determined by paragraph 10 of Strand One of the Belfast Agreement and under Assembly Standing Orders.

The Code and Guide also provide the framework within which the Interim Assembly Commissioner for Standards investigates complaints against Members on behalf of the Committee.

It is essential therefore that the Code and Guide remain up-to-date and adequately reflect the demands of modern society for the highest ethical standards from Assembly Members in discharge of their public duties. This review is an important piece of work not only for the Committee but also for the Assembly and all its Members. Ultimately, it will provide assurance to the people of Northern Ireland that there is a robust Code of Conduct and Guide, against which the conduct of Members of the Assembly may be judged”.

The Committee will undertake a detailed review of the Code and Guide between October 2007 and June of 2008. The Committee intends to publish a consultation document on proposed amendments to the Code and Guide before the summer recess. This will be widely circulated and the Committee will welcome comments on the proposed amendments.

END

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 Gerry McHugh (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr Allan Bresland
Mr Francie Brolly
Mr Willie Clarke
Rev Robert Coulter
Mr Alex Easton
Mr David Hilditch
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 407, Parliament Buildings, Belfast, BT4 3XX (028 905 20333).
Media enquiries should be addressed to:

Northern Ireland Assembly Information Office,
Room B2, Parliament Buildings,
Belfast BT4 3XX.
Telephone 028 90521137/521396.
Fax 028 90521961.
Website Address: archive.niassembly.gov.uk
E-mail: info.office@niassembly.gov.uk