Committee met today to discuss the issue of multiple mandates

The Assembly and Executive Review Committee met today to discuss the issue of multiple mandates and whether the existing arrangements whereby members of the Northern Ireland Assembly can hold concurrent positions as Councillors, Westminster MPs, Members of the House of Lords, MEPs or positions in other legislatures should continue.

The Committee reviewed submissions from each of the parties and agreed to conduct an inquiry into the issue and to bring forward early recommendations on phasing out multiple mandates.

The Committee also revisited a number of the matters to be transferred as part of the devolution of policing and justice.

The Committee is required to report by February 2008 on the preparations which the Assembly has made, and needs to make, to facilitate the devolution of policing and justice matters and will hear from the Chief Constable on 8 January 2008.