AQO 2931/22-27

Mr Stewart Dickson
Alliance Party
East Antrim

Tabled Date: 08/01/2026
Answered On Date: 19/02/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister, further to media reports, to outline why their Department does not hold information in relation to whether or not the deputy First Minister recused herself from discussions on finances relating to the Education Authority.

Answer:

Ministers are not required to recuse themselves from discussion, and as such there is no recorded information in relation to recusals. Ministers are required to declare an interest where they are proposing or supporting an action which is likely to, or perceived to, have a direct benefit to themselves or to another person or organisation with whom they have a close personal relationship or interest. Such an interest was declared by the deputy First Minister in relation to these circumstances.