Once a month
Back in October, I gave evidence to the Stormont Committee on Procedures about how the Assembly Question Time might be reformed to make it more relevant to the public.
Now the FIrst and Deputy First Ministers have responded to the Committee by suggesting they should face questions once a month, rather than once a fortnight as at present. The FM and DFM argue this would bring them into line with other departments which face questions monthly. However such a move would put them seriously out of kilter with Scotland and Wales, where the First Ministers take questions every week.
I did a web search to find out what else happens once a month. I was surprised to find how many people think you can get all your cooking done once a month, alternatively you can treat your cat for fleas on that basis. But I like to think of the FM and DFM as our very own lycanthropes, whose appearances in the future should perhaps be cross referenced with the lunar cycle.
I'm 
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it should be once a week, they are getting paid enough so reading out a few pre-prepared statements as answers is hardly a big deal, and lets face it, they can split the work between two. the arrogance of our politicians continues to astound, and sadden me
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will they be taking a pay cut then considering they are going to be doing less work?
If you could even call what they do work
Or is it a case of embaressment setting in?
can hardly blame them if thats the case. Most countries in the western world would be ashamed of such an undemocratic setup. infact it wouldnt be tolerated
but anyway. ask about that pay cut will you Mark?
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What next...!!!
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Mark,
I think FM and DFM should answer only once a month. It is pathetic for people to get up and read a script the Civil Service have written. Some of the Questions are childish so therefore the departments could send the answers directly to the MLA's. This would save time and be more efficient. I understand why people will want them to answer every week but really there is no need. If anyone ever seen Paisley answering it was truly awful.
Stormontspy
PS I am disappointed that my suggestion was not taken forward. Why can't the Assembly Commission have a facility through its website for the public to ask questions to which the Ministers must answer without notes?
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