Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency

Director of Corporate Services
Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency Colby House
Stranmillis Court
BELFAST
BT9 5RR
Tel:       028 9038 8468
Email: david.patterson@nisra.gov.uk

Dr Steve Aiken OBE MLA
Chairperson to the Committee for Finance
Northern Ireland Assembly
Parliament Buildings
Ballymiscaw
Stormont
BELFAST
BT4 3XX                                                                                                        

Dear Dr Aiken

Financial Reporting (Departments and Public Bodies) Bill

Thank you for the opportunity to consider and comment on the Financial Reporting Bill. The Statistics Advisory Committee (SAC) is the sole arms-length body of the NI Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) and is currently a designated body within the scope of the proposed legislation.

The SAC exists to advise NI Departments on all matters relating to the collection and disclosure of statistical information from businesses, under the Statistics of Trade and Employment (NI) Order 1988. However, it has no budget and appointees are non-remunerated except for the reimbursement of minor travel expenses.

Consequently, there are no clauses of the Bill that I consider relevant nor would require amendment in relation to the operation of SAC.

Yours sincerely

DAVID PATTERSON

Interim Accounting Officer NISRA