First Meeting of the Assembly Committee On Standards and Privileges

The first meeting of the Committee on Standards and Privileges was held today at Parliament Buildings under the Chairmanship of Carmel Hanna,MLA. Speaking at the meeting, Mrs Hannadrew attention to the importance of her Committee in ensuring public trust and confidence in the conduct of Members of the Assembly and in the institution:

“The Committee on Standards and Privileges believes that the general public has a right to expect the highest possible standards of conduct from Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly. This Committee will play an essential role in ensuring that MLAs adhere to the highest standards in public life and in accordance with the Assembly’s Code of Conduct. We will carry out our duties with the utmost integrity and independence and, by seeking to encourage Members to conduct themselves in accordance with the Code of Conduct, we hope to contribute to public confidence and trust in Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly and the institution itself.”

The Committee on Standards and Privileges is a Standing Committee of the Northern Ireland Assembly. The Committee’s areas of responsibility include the consideration of matters relating to the conduct of members; the examination of arrangements for the compilation, maintenance and accessibility of the Register of Members’ Interests; and the consideration of matters relating to privilege.

Notes for Editor:

The membership of the Committee on Standards and Privileges are as follows:
Mrs Carmel Hanna (Chairperson) 
Mr Gerry McHugh (Deputy Chairperson) 
Mr Allan Bresland 
Mr Francie Brolly 
Mr Willie Clarke 
Rev Robert Coulter 
Mr Alex Easton 
Mr David Hilditch 
Mr Alastair Ross 
Mr George Savage 
Mr Brian Wilson

All enquiries regarding the work of the Committee should be directed to the Clerk of Standards, Dr Kevin Pelan, Room 407, Parliament Buildings, Belfast, BT4 3XX (028 905 20333).

Media enquiries should be addressed to:
Northern Ireland Assembly Information Office,
Room B2, Parliament Buildings, 
Belfast BT4 3XX. 
Telephone 028 90521137/521396. 
Fax 028 90521961.