Commissioner Appointments

Oral Answers to Questions — Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister – in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 2:15 pm on 1 February 2016.

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Photo of Karen McKevitt Karen McKevitt Social Democratic and Labour Party 2:15, 1 February 2016

7. Mrs McKevitt asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister why they plan to retain in the new Executive Office the power to appoint commissioners, including the Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People. (AQO 9500/11-16)

Photo of Martin McGuinness Martin McGuinness Sinn Féin

'A Fresh Start: The Stormont Agreement and Implementation Plan' confirms the reduction in the number of Departments from 12 to nine, from May 2016, along with detailed proposals for specific aspects of implementation for which the Executive are responsible. That will reduce the number of Ministers, special advisers, permanent secretaries and staff working in central support functions.

As part of the agreement, it was proposed that the Department for Communities should assume sponsorship responsibilities for the Commissioner for Children and Young People and the Commissioner for Older People, with the exception of the appointment of the respective commissioners. In putting forward this proposal, it was considered that the roles of the two bodies were a more natural fit within the Department for Communities, given its focus on issues affecting citizens here. However, while the proposal provided a better alignment of roles and responsibilities, it was also recognised that the postholders in these significant posts should have the confidence of both the First Minister and deputy First Minister. This will also help to ensure that the important work that these bodies carry out will receive the appropriate cross-party support to ensure that they deliver on behalf of the community. These public appointments are, of course, subject to open competition, with appointments based on merit, and the process is subject to regulation by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

Photo of Karen McKevitt Karen McKevitt Social Democratic and Labour Party

I thank the joint First Minister for his response. Given that the commissioners will be under the new remit of OFMDFM, how do you think communications are going to work? You are the employer, yet they are under the remit of a different Department. Has there been any discussion of that?

Photo of Martin McGuinness Martin McGuinness Sinn Féin

Obviously, we think that it will work. The decision has been made that these important agencies will transfer to the Department for Communities. The responsibility that the First Minister and I have is an overarching one for the work of the Executive. I do not think that there will be any difficulty whatsoever in us working with whoever is the new Minister in that Department to ensure that there is continuity of service to the public.

Photo of Adrian Cochrane-Watson Adrian Cochrane-Watson UUP

It is clear that the functions of the Executive Office have moved radically since they were first announced last March. It seems to me that it will now retain delivery functions and has moved away from the more coordinating role that was first envisaged.

Photo of Martin McGuinness Martin McGuinness Sinn Féin

Is that a question or a statement?

Photo of Martin McGuinness Martin McGuinness Sinn Féin

What is the question?

Photo of Adrian Cochrane-Watson Adrian Cochrane-Watson UUP

Will the deputy First Minister comment on that? It seems to me that it is now retaining delivery functions. Initially, the new Executive Office was to have more of a coordinating role. Why has that move taken place?

Photo of Martin McGuinness Martin McGuinness Sinn Féin

The decisions that have been made in relation to the reduction in the number of Departments and the transfer of various services to what will be, effectively, a new Department are part of a very natural process for us to be involved in. It is all about ensuring that we have proper delivery for the benefit of citizens. The First Minister and deputy First Minister, being in the lead in the Executive and representing the two largest parties, have a duty and responsibility for the work of the Executive, including coordination but also ensuring that all Departments in the Executive deliver in the context of the changes that have been made as a result of the decisions to reduce the number of Departments. It is about effective delivery against the backdrop of 'A Fresh Start', and I think that we are off to a good start in ensuring that we continue to deliver for citizens. We can do that as long as all parties in the Executive — there will be a new Executive after the election — recognise that the demand of the people is that we continue to work together for their benefit.

Photo of Mitchel McLaughlin Mitchel McLaughlin Speaker

Mrs Judith Cochrane is not in her place.