Press Statement from The Speaker of the NI Assembly, Alex Maskey

Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Alex Maskey MLA will work from home.

Mr Maskey said, “I have received advice from my Health Trust to advise that, due to my cardiac history, I am in the group of those who should stay at home and avoid face to face contact for least twelve weeks. I have therefore written to all Members today to inform them that I will therefore be working from home in the time ahead.

“This does not prevent me from conducting the majority of my responsibilities as Speaker – many people have had to quickly adapt to the practice of conducting most business at home. However, plenary sittings and sessions of the Ad Hoc Committee cannot be chaired remotely and these meetings will be in good hands with the Deputy Speakers taking the chair in rotation in the usual way. There are also deputising arrangements for the Business Committee and the Assembly Commission but I will be exploring ways to participate in these meetings remotely. 

“Apart from that, I intend to conduct as much as possible of the work that goes on behind the scenes and to take all of the decisions that I am normally required to take outside of the Chamber.

“When health workers and all those in the public services are demonstrating tremendous commitment and courage, all in the common cause of saving lives, it is incumbent on all of us to do what we can to protect our own health, reduce the risk of infection to others and thereby reduce the burden to our health service.”

ENDS

Read the Speaker's Letter to Members