‘Proper approach’ to questions not followed by some Stormont ministers – Speaker

Stormont Speaker Edwin Poots has expressed his concern that some ministers are not following the “proper procedural approach” when answering questions.

Last month SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan raised a point of order after he said Communities Minister Gordon Lyons advised a member to put their question in an email to the Housing Executive.

Addressing the Assembly on Monday, Mr Poots said that, subsequently, members have drawn his attention to answers they have received from a different minister.

“It is clear that the proper procedural approach is not being following despite my ruling and I will therefore be writing to all ministers in relation to answers to written questions,” he told MLAs.

Mr Poots also reiterated that ministers should make “significant announcements” to the Assembly first.

Mr Poots told MLAs: “There are circumstances in which it is proper and valid for ministers to use written statements to inform members. My general expectation would be, and on sitting days in particular, that ministers would bring announcements to the chamber through an oral statement.

“Later the Assembly will debate a motion on addressing NI Water challenges. I am aware that yesterday, in anticipation of this debate, the Minister for Infrastructure made an announcement to the media in which he ruled out household water charges.

“I think that is an example where the minister’s statement would have been more appropriate to await business today to be made either by an oral statement or in response to the debate.

“I have written to ministers about this issue previously and I will be monitoring it over the weeks ahead.”