Ethics Commission

Commissioner for Standards for the Northern Ireland Assembly

69/100

Summary

The Commissioner for Standards for the Northern Ireland Assembly is appointed by the Northern Ireland Assembly Commission for a single non-renewable 5-year term; removal requires an Assembly resolution. The Commissioner investigates complaints against MLAs (Members of the Legislative Assembly) for alleged breaches of the Code of Conduct. The Commissioner has statutory powers to require information and examine witnesses during investigations. Investigation reports are submitted to the Standards and Privileges Committee of the Assembly and published. The Commissioner's budget is set by the Assembly Commission.

Independence Scorecard

Independence Score: 69/100 (good)
69/100
Limited
Methodology v0.1
AppointmentLegislative appointment
Term length5 years
Removal standardFor cause only
Budget independenceLegislative line item
Subpoena powerYes
Compel testimonyYes
Records accessFull access
Public reports requiredYes
Pre-publication reviewNone — reports published directly

Statute

Name
Assembly Members (Independent Financial Review and Standards) Act (Northern Ireland) 2011
Citation
2011 c. 25 (N.I.)
Full text
Full text of law →

Jurisdiction scope

Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly; investigates complaints about conduct and breaches of the Assembly's Code of Conduct

Secondary Sources