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20/06/2012
Stormont Could Be Sworn To Secrecy
A new duty to ensure assembly members respect confidentiality could be introduced at Stormont.
The idea comes in the wake of a draft report being leaked to the media in January 2011.
Tom Frawley, the assembly's interim commissioner for standards, was asked to find out who leaked the Public Accounts Committee's report on Northern Ireland Water to the BBC and UTV, but was unable to discover the culprit.
A recommendation for secrecy would involve MLAs' code of practice making it clear the public representatives could be punished for breaches of confidentiality.
This would bring the Northern Ireland Assembly in line with the Scottish Parliament.
The proposals will be discussed by a Stormont committee today (Wednesday).
Mr Frawley was critical of the BBC and UTV for carrying the draft report before it had been agreed by the Public Accounts Committee, rejecting the broadcasters' arguments that their coverage was in the public interest.
(NE)
The idea comes in the wake of a draft report being leaked to the media in January 2011.
Tom Frawley, the assembly's interim commissioner for standards, was asked to find out who leaked the Public Accounts Committee's report on Northern Ireland Water to the BBC and UTV, but was unable to discover the culprit.
A recommendation for secrecy would involve MLAs' code of practice making it clear the public representatives could be punished for breaches of confidentiality.
This would bring the Northern Ireland Assembly in line with the Scottish Parliament.
The proposals will be discussed by a Stormont committee today (Wednesday).
Mr Frawley was critical of the BBC and UTV for carrying the draft report before it had been agreed by the Public Accounts Committee, rejecting the broadcasters' arguments that their coverage was in the public interest.
(NE)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.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.
