AQW 49272/11-16

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 30/09/2015
Answered On Date: 30/10/2015
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether a Minister that accepts a Ministerial post, having stated the intention to resign immediately, is in breach of the Ministerial Code and Pledge of Office for failure to fulfil Ministerial duties.

Answer:

It is a matter for the Assembly, in accordance with Sections 30, 47A and 51D of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, to resolve that a breach of the Pledge of Office has occurred. In addition, Section 28A of the Act requires Ministers to act in accordance with the provisions of the Ministerial Code. Any alleged breach of the Code could be decided as a matter of law.

It would be inappropriate for us to speculate on the outcome of any process which might be initiated in either case in relation to the circumstances you describe.