Speaker ‘frustrated’ ministers did not announce Covid decisions in Assembly

Q Radio News/PA

Stormont Speaker Alex Maskey has said it is “unacceptable” that no Executive minister came to the Assembly to announce decisions made on Covid rules and advice.

Mr Maskey said he had been left “frustrated” that ministers instead held a press conference on a sitting day of the Assembly.

The powersharing executive agreed a series of other steps on Tuesday aimed at increasing compliance with existing Covid restrictions and advice.

After a meeting of the five-party coalition, First Minister Paul Givan and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill stressed their determination to keep businesses open over Christmas during a press conference, which also included Health Minister Robin Swann.

Mr Maskey later told MLAs: “I have been clear in the past about the importance of respecting the distinct roles of the Executive and the Assembly.

“I have also recorded that the Executive responded very positively to my concerns some time ago about ensuring that significant decisions were announced in this Assembly.

“Last week I received some requests from members to discuss issues which were on the Executive agenda before the Executive could conclude its decisions.

“I did not think that was appropriate. The Executive is entitled to space to make its decisions.

“However, I turned down those requests in the clear expectation that once the Executive discussions had concluded that a statement would be made in this Assembly.”

Stormont Speaker Alex Maskey pictured previously with PM Boris Johnson

The speaker continued: “I am therefore very frustrated that a press conference has been held this afternoon to set out the Executive’s decisions.

“But today, on a sitting day, there has been no requests to come to this Assembly.

“It will not have passed anyone’s notice that over the last number of days we have had any number of examples in the media and on social media of ministers setting out their own views in relation to the position on Covid and Covid restrictions and that is their right.

“Yet, no minister could come to this Assembly today and I find that that is not acceptable to this Assembly.

“I inform to follow up today’s oversight with the Executive. I also want to place on record that the Executive does face many challenges and those matters are the priority, but I do find today’s occurrence to be unacceptable to this Assembly.”

Alex Maskey and European Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič