Why Doesn't Stormont Follow Westminster's Lead on Hospitality, Gifts, Meetings and Overseas Travel?
17 August 2012
Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“As part of its commitment to openness the Westminster government publishes information on Ministers’ hospitality, gifts, meetings and overseas travel quarterly. Information is also published relating to Permanent Under Secretaries and Special Adviser. Details from May 2010 until March 2012 can be accessed online.
“Back in May I tabled a question to the Joint First Ministers asking if similar arrangements existed in Northern Ireland and if not whether they would introduce them. Now – some three months later – they have responded to my question by saying that “the Northern Ireland Executive has not introduced such arrangements but may consider doing so at a future date.”
“This simply is not good enough. The public – who after all pay for Ministers’ foreign trips – deserve to know how their cash is being spent. The fact that a question tabled by me in May last year asking for details of the travel and substance costs incurred by Mr Robinson and McGuinness’s Department in each year of the 2007 – 11 mandate remains unanswered suggests that they have something to hide!
“It is also fundamental that confidence in Government is maximised by us knowing exactly who is giving gifts and providing hospitality to Ministers.
“The wishy washy suggestion that at unspecified date in future something MIGHT be done simply is not good enough. There is no reason why Stormont cannot act now”.
Note to editors
Mr Alister’s question and the reply received were as follows:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether any arrangements, similar to those prevailing at Westminster, exist whereby information on Ministers' hospitality, gifts, meetings and overseas travel is published quarterly; and, if not, whether they will consider introducing such arrangements.
The Northern Ireland Executive has not introduced such arrangements but may consider doing so at a future date.
