Robinson's Bluster on North - South Bodies Exposed in Assembly
19 June 2012
Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“On 10th October last year Peter Robinson responded to my probing about the terms of reference of the St Andrews review of North/South Bodies not including the possibility of reducing the number of bodies by claiming:
“The Member knows very well that the terms of reference were in three parts, the first of which related to efficiencies. Of course, under that part, proposals for a reduction in the number of bodies can be considered.”
“Now this morning in response to probing by myself (and indeed a DUP MLA) we have had it confirmed by co-equal First Minister McGuinness that there will be no reduction in the number of North/South Bodies.
“At this time of austerity when many ordinary people are feeling the squeeze financially there will be few who will welcome the news that we will continue to squander millions every year on bodies which provide nothing of tangible benefit.
“We simply cannot continue to waste over £2 million a year to the Food Safety Promotion Board – a body based in Co Cork and which doesn’t employ a single person in Northern Ireland – and other similar useless bodies”.
