Menu
20/08/2010
NI Water 'Closed Session' As Wilson 'Snipes'
A dispute over a controversial letter has emerged at the heart of a fast building 'scandal' surrounding the suspension of a top NI civil servant.
Today, the Committee for Regional Development held a special meeting in closed session at Stormont with the Chairman, Fred Cobain, noting afterwards that they would be putting questions to the Department of Regional Development (DRD) Minister, Conor Murphy (pictured) in a meeting planned for 1 September.
The move comes at the same time as the NI Finance Minister has been politically 'sniping' at his NI Executive colleague saying that Mr Murphy has questions to answer about his handling of the recent Northern Ireland Water (NIW) controversy.
The DUP's Sammy Wilson said the Minister should clarify his own handling of an independent review that led to the sacking of four NIW directors.
Mr Wilson also raised concerns about whether Paul Priestly, the civil servant who was suspended, was being made into a "scapegoat".
The special meeting was on foot of news that Paul Priestly stepped down as Permanent Secretary of the Department of Regional Development (DRD) and did so after a UTV Live Tonight investigation into the removal of four non-executive directors of Northern Ireland Water.
The directors were effectively 'sacked' by the Minister in March after an independent review found they were culpable for a breakdown in procurement procedures, which meant that £28.5m of contracts was awarded without being correctly tendered.
Mr Priestly was then suspended this week following a phone conversation with DRD Minister Conor Murphy.
It focused on the Permanent Secretary's role in drafting an angry letter sent by Phoenix Gas Chief Executive Peter Dixon to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
That letter - which was later withdrawn - castigated three Assembly members over questions raised about whether the Independent Review Team investigating the failings of Northern Ireland Water - of which Peter Dixon was a member - had been truly independent.
The original UTV programme also uncovered documents which purported to show that Mr Priestly - who jointly commissioned the independent review - was given an early draft of the procurement report and had asked for changes to be made to it.
Those changes are alleged to have directed criticism on procurement matters away from the DRD and onto the NIW directors.
Mr Priestly then gave evidence about the matter to Stormont's PAC spending watchdog, in July.
At that hearing some members of the PAC raised questions about just how independent the review had been. Among other issues, PAC members asked about the relationship between Mr Dixon and NI Water Chief, Laurence MacKenzie.
(BMcC/KMcA)
Today, the Committee for Regional Development held a special meeting in closed session at Stormont with the Chairman, Fred Cobain, noting afterwards that they would be putting questions to the Department of Regional Development (DRD) Minister, Conor Murphy (pictured) in a meeting planned for 1 September.
The move comes at the same time as the NI Finance Minister has been politically 'sniping' at his NI Executive colleague saying that Mr Murphy has questions to answer about his handling of the recent Northern Ireland Water (NIW) controversy.
The DUP's Sammy Wilson said the Minister should clarify his own handling of an independent review that led to the sacking of four NIW directors.
Mr Wilson also raised concerns about whether Paul Priestly, the civil servant who was suspended, was being made into a "scapegoat".
The special meeting was on foot of news that Paul Priestly stepped down as Permanent Secretary of the Department of Regional Development (DRD) and did so after a UTV Live Tonight investigation into the removal of four non-executive directors of Northern Ireland Water.
The directors were effectively 'sacked' by the Minister in March after an independent review found they were culpable for a breakdown in procurement procedures, which meant that £28.5m of contracts was awarded without being correctly tendered.
Mr Priestly was then suspended this week following a phone conversation with DRD Minister Conor Murphy.
It focused on the Permanent Secretary's role in drafting an angry letter sent by Phoenix Gas Chief Executive Peter Dixon to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
That letter - which was later withdrawn - castigated three Assembly members over questions raised about whether the Independent Review Team investigating the failings of Northern Ireland Water - of which Peter Dixon was a member - had been truly independent.
The original UTV programme also uncovered documents which purported to show that Mr Priestly - who jointly commissioned the independent review - was given an early draft of the procurement report and had asked for changes to be made to it.
Those changes are alleged to have directed criticism on procurement matters away from the DRD and onto the NIW directors.
Mr Priestly then gave evidence about the matter to Stormont's PAC spending watchdog, in July.
At that hearing some members of the PAC raised questions about just how independent the review had been. Among other issues, PAC members asked about the relationship between Mr Dixon and NI Water Chief, Laurence MacKenzie.
(BMcC/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 January 2022
Economy Minister Announces Independent Review Of Invest NI
The Economy Minister, Gordon Lyons, has announced an Independent Review of Invest Northern Ireland – to assess the organisation's efficiency and effectiveness as well as its capacity to strategically align with, and operationally deliver, the 10X Economic Vision.
Economy Minister Announces Independent Review Of Invest NI
The Economy Minister, Gordon Lyons, has announced an Independent Review of Invest Northern Ireland – to assess the organisation's efficiency and effectiveness as well as its capacity to strategically align with, and operationally deliver, the 10X Economic Vision.
22 October 2024
Education Minister Outlines Response To Independent Review
Education Minister Paul Givan has unveiled his department's response to the Independent Review of Education in Northern Ireland. The comprehensive review, led by Professor Michael Barber, presented 25 key recommendations and 106 areas for action to improve the education system.
Education Minister Outlines Response To Independent Review
Education Minister Paul Givan has unveiled his department's response to the Independent Review of Education in Northern Ireland. The comprehensive review, led by Professor Michael Barber, presented 25 key recommendations and 106 areas for action to improve the education system.
06 November 2024
Ministers Meet With Truth Recovery Independent Panel
The First Minister and deputy First Minister have met with the Co-Chairs of the Truth Recovery Independent Panel to discuss the progress of their work in supporting victims and survivors.
Ministers Meet With Truth Recovery Independent Panel
The First Minister and deputy First Minister have met with the Co-Chairs of the Truth Recovery Independent Panel to discuss the progress of their work in supporting victims and survivors.
29 July 2009
Rates Relief For SMEs Proposed
A scheme to reduce the rates burden for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Northern Ireland looks set to get the go-ahead. Stormont Finance Minister Sammy Wilson confirmed hw will press ahead with a scheme for Northern Ireland, following a meeting with the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association.
Rates Relief For SMEs Proposed
A scheme to reduce the rates burden for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Northern Ireland looks set to get the go-ahead. Stormont Finance Minister Sammy Wilson confirmed hw will press ahead with a scheme for Northern Ireland, following a meeting with the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association.
04 July 2016
USPCA Sacks Chief Executive Over Gross Misconduct
Animal charity the Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) has sacked its Chief Executive on the grounds of gross misconduct. The charity released a statement which said Mr Stephen Philpott was dismissed following a comprehensive, independent review and disciplinary hearing.
USPCA Sacks Chief Executive Over Gross Misconduct
Animal charity the Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) has sacked its Chief Executive on the grounds of gross misconduct. The charity released a statement which said Mr Stephen Philpott was dismissed following a comprehensive, independent review and disciplinary hearing.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
