Meeting of the Parliament

Meeting date: Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Official Report 806KB pdf

Parliamentary Liaison Officers

Before we move to the next item of business, I draw members’ attention to a revision to the ministerial code in relation to parliamentary liaison officers, which comes into force from today.

Up until now in this session, PLOs have been required to declare their appointment the first time they participate in parliamentary business relating to the portfolio of their cabinet secretary. I am pleased to advise you that, following a request from the Standards Procedures and Public Appointments Committee, the First Minister has now revised the code, requiring PLOs to declare every time they participate in business relating to their cabinet secretary. That applies from today. I am sure that members will agree that that is a welcome change to procedure that will enhance the transparency of parliamentary business.