Stormont ministers who breach their own code of conduct may soon face sanctions imposed by fellow MLAs.
The move would close a gap in the rules which in the past has seen serving ministers escape punishment for obvious breaches of the code.
Under existing rules, the assembly’s Standards and Privileges Committee can penalise MLAs for wrongdoing but their powers do not extend to sanctioning members of the Northern Ireland Executive.
Last month, the committee published two reports that found DUP ministers breached the ministerial code by failing to attend North-South Ministerial Council (NSMC) meetings in 2021.
Stormont’s Commissioner for Standards Melissa McCullough, who investigated the breaches, has no power to sanction ministers but the assembly can vote on the matter, if a motion is tabled.
As revealed by The Irish News last month, the SDLP plans to seek the assembly’s support for imposing sanctions on Paul Givan, Gordon Lyons, Michelle McIlveen, Edwin Poots and Gary Middleton.
The necessary motion must be moved either by the first and deputy first ministers, acting jointly, or be supported by at least 30 MLAs.
In order for it to be carried the motion must have cross-community support but cannot be blocked by a petition of concern.
However, moves are now afoot to give the Standards and Privileges Committee greater powers that would enable it to adjudicate on upheld complaints against ministers.
Committee members were briefed on the potential changes before the summer recess.
In June, members agreed that a policy options paper would be drafted outlining the potential for the committee to take on an adjudicating role for breaches of the ministerial code.
In what is likely to be a drawn-out process, the committee will consult with the rest of the assembly, alongside the Committee on Procedures.
Any agreed changes will see the assembly’s standing orders amended.
Standards and Privileges Committee member Colin McGrath said ministers who breach the code of conduct had to be held responsible and should face sanction, if required.
“The SDLP’s view is that the current arrangements are deficient and should be addressed by the assembly quickly,” the South Down MLA said.
“This is about rebuilding confidence in the democratic institutions and demonstrating that ministers aren’t above the rules.”
