Stormont Executive scrambling to cover up its own dysfunctional chaos
03 October 2012
Statement by TUV Leader Jim Allister:-
“Being aware there is a logjam of unapproved executive papers, caused by disagreement in OFMDFM, I tabled an Assembly Question to each department enquiring as to the number of papers involved and the consequences of delay.
“Embarrassed by the truth and anxious to conceal it from the public, the departments conspired to attempt the same brush off reply by mounting the bogus claim that all executive business is confidential. I don’t dispute that, but there is no breach of confidence, only embarrassment, in admitting the number of papers so becalmed in the mire of DUP/Sinn Fein discord.
“One such paper, blocked for months by Sinn Fein, is the necessary DFP plan to bring more transparency to the budget. Whether as a bargaining chip, or because Minister O’Dowd in particular is opposed to providing more clarity in his budget, the result is deadlock and a necessary proposal languishing in limbo.
“This is typical of the dysfunctional routine of this Executive. Behind the photo-ops and grand statements is a government incapable of working efficiently, because its systems are premised on a debilitating mutual veto.
“Stormont Ministers may want to hide from straightforward questions, but I will not let this matter go. Thus, I have now lodged FOI requests with each department to unearth the truth they are so desperate to hide. If they persist in prevaricating, then, ultimately they’ll answer to the Information Commissioner.”
Sample Q & A:
Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister how many papers, which have been approved by the Minister, have yet to be placed on the agenda for an Executive meeting, including (i) the date on which the papers were circulated to ministerial colleagues; (ii) the subject matter of each paper; and (iii) the consequences of a delay in securing Executive approval.
Answer:
The content of Executive papers and all aspects of Executive business are confidential.
