Menu
26/05/2009
MLA's Expenses Under Scrutiny
Expenses being claimed by local politicians are to be scrutinised with news today that Northern Ireland Assembly allowances for office costs, food and travel are to come under the microscope.
The Assembly initiative is part of the Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB) report on MLAs' salaries and allowances the Assembly Commission - the body which runs the legislature, and has only recently begun the review.
Stormont Assembly Speaker William Hay (pictured) said: "The Commission has been considering the SSRB report in recent months.
"We want to ensure that the Assembly is open, transparent and demonstrates value for public money.
"Our goal is to have in place a model of best practice which is effective in supporting MLAs in their important work on behalf of the community and which commands public confidence," he said.
The Commission has decided to publish more detail about MLAs' individual claims starting in this financial year.
"This will be implemented as soon as administrative and IT arrangements are in place," a spokeswoman added.
The development is unrelated to the continuing controversy over Westminster expenses and revelations by the Daily Telegraph on leaked claims made by MPs for items often seen as - at the very least - to be 'stretching the rules'.
The Westminster politicians have been caught claiming for expenditure like clearing their own moats and furnishing ornamental duck islands.
See: 'Double-Jobbing' Salaries Top £4.7m
See: Lady Sylvia Repays Westminster Expenses
The Assembly initiative is part of the Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB) report on MLAs' salaries and allowances the Assembly Commission - the body which runs the legislature, and has only recently begun the review.
Stormont Assembly Speaker William Hay (pictured) said: "The Commission has been considering the SSRB report in recent months.
"We want to ensure that the Assembly is open, transparent and demonstrates value for public money.
"Our goal is to have in place a model of best practice which is effective in supporting MLAs in their important work on behalf of the community and which commands public confidence," he said.
The Commission has decided to publish more detail about MLAs' individual claims starting in this financial year.
"This will be implemented as soon as administrative and IT arrangements are in place," a spokeswoman added.
The development is unrelated to the continuing controversy over Westminster expenses and revelations by the Daily Telegraph on leaked claims made by MPs for items often seen as - at the very least - to be 'stretching the rules'.
The Westminster politicians have been caught claiming for expenditure like clearing their own moats and furnishing ornamental duck islands.
See: 'Double-Jobbing' Salaries Top £4.7m
See: Lady Sylvia Repays Westminster Expenses
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 February 2002
Assembly Members' expenses run to £4m a year
Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly claimed nearly £4 million in office and travel expenses in the financial year ending in April 2000. Details of expenses among the province's 108 assembly members (MLAs) for the year 1999/2000 have been published on the assembly's website.
Assembly Members' expenses run to £4m a year
Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly claimed nearly £4 million in office and travel expenses in the financial year ending in April 2000. Details of expenses among the province's 108 assembly members (MLAs) for the year 1999/2000 have been published on the assembly's website.
17 September 2009
'Inadequate' Links To NI Airport, Says MLA
A south Antrim Assembly man has claimed Northern Ireland's "invaluable" international airport is marred by poor transport links. Ulster Unionist Danny Kinahan (pictured here with UU party leader, Sir Reg Empey) said the Regional Development Minister was aware of the inadequacies in links into the city, to the M2 and M1.
'Inadequate' Links To NI Airport, Says MLA
A south Antrim Assembly man has claimed Northern Ireland's "invaluable" international airport is marred by poor transport links. Ulster Unionist Danny Kinahan (pictured here with UU party leader, Sir Reg Empey) said the Regional Development Minister was aware of the inadequacies in links into the city, to the M2 and M1.
28 January 2002
NIUP member expelled for remarks over murder allegation
A Northern Ireland assembly member has been expelled from the chamber after he made inflammatory remarks in the chamber about another assembly member.
NIUP member expelled for remarks over murder allegation
A Northern Ireland assembly member has been expelled from the chamber after he made inflammatory remarks in the chamber about another assembly member.
17 May 2006
Sinn Fein call for Orange free Parades Commission
Sinn Fein has met with the Parade Commission today, following yesterday's resignation of Portadown Orangeman Don McKay, after a row over references. Yesterday, Mr McKay resigned from the Parades Commission after weeks of controversy over his appointment.
Sinn Fein call for Orange free Parades Commission
Sinn Fein has met with the Parade Commission today, following yesterday's resignation of Portadown Orangeman Don McKay, after a row over references. Yesterday, Mr McKay resigned from the Parades Commission after weeks of controversy over his appointment.
04 July 2001
DRUMCREE DECISION IS PUT ON HOLD
THE Northern Ireland Parades Commission have put the decision whether or not to overturn the ban on this Sunday’s Drumcree Orange march on hold.
DRUMCREE DECISION IS PUT ON HOLD
THE Northern Ireland Parades Commission have put the decision whether or not to overturn the ban on this Sunday’s Drumcree Orange march on hold.
-
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.
