Meeting of the Parliament

Meeting date: Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Official Report 1042KB pdf

Presiding Officer’s Statement

I was disappointed to note that significant details of today’s statement on the cancellation of the higher exams appear to have been reported in the media before the announcement in the Parliament. I remind members that the Government provides copies of its statements under embargo to Opposition parties to assist parliamentary scrutiny. That information is provided in good faith. Just as members expect the Government to follow guidance by making statements to the Parliament in the first instance, so there is an equally important obligation and expectation for all members and parties to respect the confidentiality of information that is provided to them. Given the subject of this afternoon’s debate, I hope that members will note my remarks.