Media Operational Notice
Session: 2011/2012
Date: 14 September 2011
The Assembly Public Accounts Committee discussed the leaking of the draft report on the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme which was scheduled for a second consideration at today’s meeting.
The Committee strongly endorses the Chairperson’s response to news of the leak, namely that this is not an agreed report of the Committee and the draft in circulation is neither final nor indeed up to date.
The Committee is extremely disappointed that the draft report was leaked to the media before it had been agreed by the Committee.
The Committee will not be undermined by this development.
The Public Accounts Committee has a unique role in the parliamentary accountability process. That is not to assign political responsibility but to determine financial accountability for waste and misuse of taxpayers’ money.
The Committee wishes to reiterate that its process is not complete. This Committee understands that the public and the media find these matters intensely interesting. But selectively quoting from a document that is not finalised or agreed is irresponsible and is not in the public interest. The Committee is continuing its inquiry. The Committee’s inquiry is continuing.
