19 November 2025
SDLP Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty has said Ministers cannot try to evade accountability.
He was speaking after receiving a number of unsatisfactory responses to written Assembly questions.
Mr McNulty raised the issue as a Point Of Order in the Assembly on Tuesday, where Speaker Edwin Poots reminded MLAs of their responsibilities.
Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty said:
“It’s incredibly frustrating that we continually see Ministers trying to evade accountability and responsibly when being questioned by MLAs on behalf of their constituents.
“Since the return of the Assembly we have frequently seen Ministers fall back on the excuse of ‘operational matters’ or referring MLAs to arm’s length bodies to avoid answering difficult questions. While this may arise with some issues, it should be the exception and not the rule.
“I welcome the response from the Speaker who reminded Ministers of their responsibilities and urged them to get on with doing their job. This is not the first time the Speaker has had to make such a rebuke and I hope Ministers will take heed because the public deserve straight answers and the SDLP Opposition will keep pressing for them.”