On a point of order, Presiding Officer. A matter has arisen in connection with the voting rights of committee substitutes when there is a vacant position on a committee. You will be aware that the Health Committee met yesterday, comprising only eight members, following the resignation of Mike Rumbles. No replacement for Mr Rumbles had been nominated at that point. The guidance that I was given as convener was that the previously named substitute committee member was barred from voting under the standing orders because the principal position had become vacant.
First, I will refer to the appropriate standing orders. Rule 6.3A establishes how a substitute is appointed; rule 12.2A establishes when a substitute member may act in that capacity in particular instances. When read together, those two rules make it perfectly clear that there are conditions that must be satisfied before one member may substitute for another at a particular committee meeting. Putting it very simply, it is not possible for a committee substitute to stand in for someone who is no longer a member of the committee.
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. It is normal procedure for me to receive prior warning of such points of order. However, in this instance, I have not received that. You will receive a letter from me, raising issues around the consistency of the rules that apply to this matter. It is perfectly apparent that the decision that was made at the Health Committee yesterday is not consistent with practices adopted in other committees. There are serious issues to be considered to ensure that all members and all parties are properly enfranchised, which I do not believe was the case yesterday.
I agree with that. You are referring to the European and External Relations Committee. The ruling that I gave in the case raised by Ms Cunningham would apply to that committee as well. I cannot overturn a committee decision, however it is reached. It is up to a committee itself to decide whether it wants to revisit any decision that it has made.
Further to that point of order, Presiding Officer. I seek clarification on that point. At the meeting in question, when a substitute took the place of Mrs Ewing, a vote was taken. Is that vote now null and void?
No. I said that I cannot overturn a committee resolution, however it is reached. I repeat that it is up to a committee itself to decide whether it wants to revisit any decision that it has made.
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