Procedures Committee to Introduce Proxy Voting for MLAs

The Northern Ireland Assembly is taking a step forward by introducing proxy voting for MLAs in limited circumstances, allowing MLAs votes to be counted, if they are unable to attend a Plenary Session in the Assembly Chamber. In an Assembly debate which took place earlier today, the Procedures Committee announced a new Standing Order outlining how the provision for proxy voting for MLAs will work. 

Speaking after today’s Assembly debate, Kellie Armstrong MLA, Chairperson of the Procedures Committee said: “As a Committee we have been considering the viability of proxy voting for some time.   

“Our discussion initially covered a range of possible categories for proxy voting including parental leave, long-term illness, bereavement, absence on official Assembly Business and whether it should be extended to Committees as well as for Plenary business. However, we felt that this would require a longer-term piece of work, and did not want to delay in making a difference to MLAs who avail of leave for maternity, paternity, adoption etc, or will do in the future.”

The Chairperson continued: “MLAs are not Assembly employees and cannot take leave for maternity, paternity, adoption etc in the same way as an employee can. However, this new Standing Order will allow MLAs on such leave to still have their vote count thus ensuring that they are representing their constituency.”

The Chairperson concluded: “The UK Parliament, the Welsh Senedd and the Scottish Parliament all provide proxy voting for a range of categories including parental leave, bereavement and ill health. It is our hope that this will promote inclusivity and allow MLAs to have their voices heard on important voting matters.” 

Sinead Ennis MLA, Deputy Chairperson of the Procedures Committee said: “As a Committee we have been unanimous in our approach on this important issue. We are pleased that the introduction of proxy voting for MLAs in limited circumstances will enable those MLAs to ensure that a core part of the role they have been elected to do can still be delivered.

The Deputy Chairperson continued: “Throughout our consideration of this issue, we have also worked closely with the Speaker taking his advice on how proxy voting for MLAS will work in practice.”

The Deputy Chairperson concluded: “We see this as a progressive and inclusive step, one that will not only benefit the Assembly as a whole, but which will also ensure that MLAs can consistently provide crucial representation for their constituents.  

ENDS

• Information on the work and Membership of the Procedures Committee can be found here
• The full Committee Report and information on the new Standing Order can be accessed here
• Standing Orders detail the procedures which regulate the way the Northern Ireland Assembly carries out its business. Further information can be accessed here

Notes to Editor:

Sinead Murphy

Communications Officer

Northern Ireland Assembly

Mobile: 0789 9864 368

Email: Sinead.murphy@niassembly.gov.uk