Before we move to today’s business, I will deal with a point of order that was raised by Mr McElduff on Monday 15 January 2007 about the declaration of interests relevant to the debate on rural schools that took place that day.

I take this opportunity to remind Members of their obligation to declare relevant interests when they are participating in debates or proceedings of this Assembly. In accordance with the Standing Orders of the 2006 Assembly, all Members were required to inform the Clerk to the Assembly of the particulars of their registrable interests for inclusion in the Register of Members’ Interests. The register has been published and copied to Members. A copy containing subsequent and up-to-date revisions is available for inspection in room 244 and on the Assembly website. [Interruption.]

I cannot hear myself speak, which is perhaps one of the reasons why I did not pronounce the word “registrable” correctly. I ask Members to please listen to what I am saying.

Standing Order 29(e) of this Transitional Assembly requires every Member to inform the Clerk to the Assembly of any alterations to his or her registrable interests within four weeks of each change occurring. However, in addition, Members are required, by virtue of Standing Order 29(f), before taking part in any debate or proceeding of the Assembly, to declare any interest, financial or otherwise, which is relevant to that debate or proceeding, where such interest is held by the Member or an immediate relative. I believe that that is the point to which Mr McElduff referred last Monday.

It is important that Members understand the distinction between the declaration of interests and the registration of interests. This distinction is set out in general terms in paragraphs 38 to 42 of the ‘Guide to the Rules Relating to the Conduct of Members’. The guide is clear that Members are required to declare relevant current, past and future interests.

I am grateful to Mr McElduff for raising this point, as it provides me with an opportunity to assist Members. I remind Members that, as always, the Clerks will offer advice on any queries that Members may have about the registration or declaration of interests. Therefore, if Members have any doubts, I recommend that they check with the Clerks.