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MLAs missing almost half of committee meetings | MLAs missing almost half of committee meetings |
(about 6 hours later) | |
By Laura Bleakley BBC News | By Laura Bleakley BBC News |
Some assembly members have missed almost half of the committee meetings on which they sit, the BBC has learned. | Some assembly members have missed almost half of the committee meetings on which they sit, the BBC has learned. |
Sinn Fein's Pat Sheehan missed 14 of 29 meetings of the culture committee. | |
Ulster Unionist Michael McGimpsey, missed 12, but said a relative's ill health made it difficult for him to attend meetings in May and June 2011. | |
Assembly member and SDLP leader Alasdair McDonnell, who is also a MP, missed 44% of enterprise committee meetings. | Assembly member and SDLP leader Alasdair McDonnell, who is also a MP, missed 44% of enterprise committee meetings. |
Sinn Fein's Sue Ramsey, who was replaced on the same committee at the end of January, did not make 10 of the 20 whilst she was a member. | Sinn Fein's Sue Ramsey, who was replaced on the same committee at the end of January, did not make 10 of the 20 whilst she was a member. |
SDLP Foyle MLA Colum Eastwood, who was elected to the assembly in May, sits on both the justice and OFMDFM committees. | SDLP Foyle MLA Colum Eastwood, who was elected to the assembly in May, sits on both the justice and OFMDFM committees. |
Mr Eastwood missed almost a third out of a combined 53 meetings. | Mr Eastwood missed almost a third out of a combined 53 meetings. |
Ross Hussey of the UUP, who also was elected in May, has missed more than 40% of finance committee meetings. | Ross Hussey of the UUP, who also was elected in May, has missed more than 40% of finance committee meetings. |
The DUP MLA George Robinson missed over 50% of OFMDFM committee meetings but that was due to ill health between June and November 2011. | The DUP MLA George Robinson missed over 50% of OFMDFM committee meetings but that was due to ill health between June and November 2011. |
The agriculture committee has so far had the best attendance, with all members present at over half of its meetings. | The agriculture committee has so far had the best attendance, with all members present at over half of its meetings. |
Each MLA is offered a place on a committee, although they are not obliged to accept this. | Each MLA is offered a place on a committee, although they are not obliged to accept this. |
MLAs who are committee chairs get an extra £11,331 on top of their basic salary of £43,101, while deputy chairs get an extra £5,667. | MLAs who are committee chairs get an extra £11,331 on top of their basic salary of £43,101, while deputy chairs get an extra £5,667. |
All other members do not receive more for sitting on a committee. | All other members do not receive more for sitting on a committee. |
The Independent Financial Review Panel published its report on MLAs' salaries and expenses on 14 March. | The Independent Financial Review Panel published its report on MLAs' salaries and expenses on 14 March. |
From 1 April 2013, and subject to salary protection for existing office holders, deputy chairs will no longer receive this additional wage. | From 1 April 2013, and subject to salary protection for existing office holders, deputy chairs will no longer receive this additional wage. |
There will be more on this story on Stormont Today at 23:20 GMT on Tuesday. | There will be more on this story on Stormont Today at 23:20 GMT on Tuesday. |