Motion

Motion TitleCommitment to the Proper Use of Public Monies (Revised Wording)

Motion TextThat this Assembly notes the publication of the Review of the use of certain allowances under the Assembly Members (Salaries and Expenses) Determination (Northern Ireland) 2016, by the Assembly’s Head of Legal Services; regrets that this was a purely paper based exercise which afforded no opportunity to challenge, in person, those who provided written evidence; further regrets that the Review muddies the waters in respect of what constitutes party political work and constituency work; further notes the media reporting which conflicts with the conclusions of the report about Michael McMonagle’s role; notes that if the report is to be believed, then there is an onus on the First Minister to correct the Assembly record of 7th October 2024, when she said that Michael McMonagle worked as a press officer; and calls for the Assembly Commission to ensure that, in future, there are regular and robust audits of how money is spent by MLAs and political parties under the Assembly Members (Salaries and Expenses) Determination and the Financial Assistance for Political Parties Scheme, including information on employees’ place and hours of work and whether they are engaged in constituency or party work.

Motion CategoryPrivate Members' Motion

Date Tabled to Business Office20/01/2025

Date Selected By Committee21/01/2025

Date of Plenary Debate28/01/2025