Allister demands answers on Special Advisors
29 August 2007
Statement by Jim Allister MEP:
On 1 May 2007 I wrote to Nigel Hamilton as Head of the Civil Service asking pertinent questions as to the appointment of 16 "Special Advisers" to Ministers within the devolved institutions. Almost 4 months on, despite two reminders, I am still awaiting a reply. So much for the efficient, effective and transparent government which devolution promised. It seems delay and obfuscation is more the order of the day.
Since public money is paying for these political advisers, the public is entitled to know everything about how they were appointed, who they are and how much they are costing us. Moreover, if some have criminal records it is in the public interest that such should be known, plus as to what security vetting occurred and whether any restrictions exist on access to documents. There are serious security issues here, quite apart from the value for money aspect of these appointments.
If under Direct Rule there had been 16 unknown, publicly paid political advisers with the run of Stormont, there would have been a hue and cry from the local parties and demands for full transparency and information. Under devolution we should have, at least, the same. I am appalled, therefore, that this information is being concealed from the paying public and I call, after 4 months delay, for immediate and full disclosure. What has the government to hide?
My letter was in the following straightforward terms:-
Mr Nigel Hamilton
Head of Northern Ireland Civil Service
Office of First and Deputy First Minister
Block A, Castle Buildings
Stormont
BELFAST
BT4 3SR
1 May 2007
Dear Mr Hamilton
Please advise me of the protocols and arrangements which exist in respect of specialist/political advisers appointed by ministers of the incoming Executive.
Is their appointment in the gift of the individual minister, or are there any objective criteria applied and, if so, by whom. Are there any prohibitions, for example, criminal convictions or family relationship? Moreover, are they subjected to security vetting, or do they have to declare if they have ever been convicted of a criminal offence? Are they required to sign the Official Secrets Act? Is there information to which they can be denied access, and, if so, on what basis? What is the nature of their tenure of office and by what process, if any, and on what basis can they be removed?
Further, please identify each and every such adviser, along with their date of appointment, and advise me of the financial package relating to each, including salary, allowances (including travel), benefits in kind and pension costs and rights. In addition, can you describe the facilities afforded to each in terms of offices etc and advise the cost to the public purse of equipping and running same.
In so far as it is necessary, I rely on the Freedom of Information Act to ground this request.
Yours sincerly
James H Allister QC MEP
