Motion

Motion TitleBreach of the Ministerial Code of Conduct

Motion TextThat this Assembly notes that the recent investigation report by the Assembly Commissioner for Standards found that the Minister for Communities breached the Ministerial Code of Conduct; acknowledges that this is the second occasion on which the Minister has been found to be in breach of the Ministerial Code; believes that, as a result of this repeated failure to uphold the standards expected of public office holders, the Minister no longer commands the confidence of this Assembly; agrees that his refusal to accept responsibility for his actions represents a wider crisis of accountability in the Executive and a deeper cultural problem in our politics; recognises that the current arrangements for ministerial accountability, standards enforcement and institutional safeguards are inadequate and in need of reform; endorses a programme of institutional reform, co-facilitated by the UK and Irish Governments, to strengthen stability, improve accountability and restore public confidence in the institutions; and further agrees that this Assembly will write to the UK Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Tánaiste outlining this position.

Motion CategoryPrivate Members' Motion

Motion TypeOpposition business

Date Tabled to Business Office27/01/2026

Date Selected By Committee27/01/2026

Date of Plenary Debate10/02/2026