AQO 2227/17-22 Oral question to the Assembly Commission
To ask the Assembly Commission to outline the support and induction arrangements in place for new MLAs.
Asked by Andrew Muir MLA on 3 June 2021
- Answered
- Oral
- Answered in the Chamber
- Tabled
- 3 June 2021
- Answer due by
- 15 June 2021
- Answered
- 15 June 202112 days after tabling
- Department
- Northern Ireland Assembly Commission
- Priority question
- No
Answer
Answered in the Assembly Chamber on 15 June 2021. Extract from the Official Report (Hansard), including any supplementary questions:
Mr O'Dowd
Before answering that question, I thank Keith for his contribution to the Commission over the last year or so. Despite a small number of disagreements, we have always worked together on the Commission in a courteous and professional manner. I thank the Member for his question. As MLAs, we all know that the first few weeks of Assembly life can be daunting for newly elected Members. The Assembly Commission therefore understands the importance of providing those Members with an appropriate induction programme. Indeed, the Assembly Commission implemented an induction programme for new MLAs at the outset of the new mandate in 2016. In advance of the next Assembly election, the Assembly Commission's Clerking and Member Support Office will expand the previous induction programme. The Member induction and development framework will include a programme of activities that will be available to all Members from the start of the next mandate. The induction aspect of the programme will expand on work that was carried out at the beginning of previous mandates and will include Members being provided with an induction handbook, containing key information and contacts, so that all new MLAs can access all the services that they require within Parliament Buildings to enable them to settle in as quickly as possible. That is only one aspect of the wider welcome and orientation programme that Assembly Commission officials are developing to assist newly elected and returning MLAs with practical arrangements during the first few days and weeks following their election. The Assembly Commission recognises that induction requirements are multifaceted, and, to that end, Commission officials will continue to provide support to new Members around the role and responsibilities of an MLA. That includes sessions with the Business Office on Assembly procedures and Standing Orders, sessions with the Bill Office on the legislative process and sessions with Committee Clerks on the role of Statutory and Standing Committees. There will be a continued focus on continuing professional development (CPD) to support all MLAs in their roles as legislators and public representatives.
Mr Muir
I thank Mr O'Dowd for his response. I am one of a number of co-opted MLAs, and it would be useful, going forward, to focus on legislation. One of the key findings of the RHI inquiry was about the ability of MLAs to scrutinise legislation properly. As part of this programme, will the Commission consider speaking to some of the MLAs who have come into the Assembly since the last election and take on board any lessons learned about improving the briefing of MLAs and their ability to scrutinise legislation and all its different stages?
Mr O'Dowd
The Member makes an important comment. The Assembly Commission Clerk is here taking notes, and I am sure that she will be more than happy to engage with you on your experiences to see how we fit that into any induction programme.
Ms Ennis
What consideration has the Commission given to the introduction of more family-friendly measures in the Assembly for Members and staff, including childcare provision?
Mr O'Dowd
Those matters, particularly childminding and family-friendly working times and environment, are under consideration. The COVID pandemic put a number of those measures on hold, but the Commission has looked at that area and will want to make progress in order to ensure that our procedures and practices allow for the full involvement of all in the Assembly and its structures.