AQW 49272/11-16 Written question to the First Minister and deputy First Minister
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether a Minister that accepts a Ministerial post, having stated the intention to resign immediately, is in breach of the Ministerial Code and Pledge of Office for failure to fulfil Ministerial duties.
Asked by Claire Sugden MLA on 30 September 2015
- Answered
- Written
- After due date
- Tabled
- 30 September 2015
- Answer due by
- 15 October 2015
- Answered
- 30 October 201530 days after tabling
- Department
- The Executive Office
- Priority question
- No
Answer
It is a matter for the Assembly, in accordance with Sections 30, 47A and 51D of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, to resolve that a breach of the Pledge of Office has occurred. In addition, Section 28A of the Act requires Ministers to act in accordance with the provisions of the Ministerial Code. Any alleged breach of the Code could be decided as a matter of law.
It would be inappropriate for us to speculate on the outcome of any process which might be initiated in either case in relation to the circumstances you describe.