Northern Ireland Assembly Members (Pay) Bill Debate
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Deidre Brock
Main Page: Deidre Brock (Scottish National Party - Edinburgh North and Leith)Department Debates - View all Deidre Brock's debates with the Northern Ireland Office
Northern Ireland Assembly Members (Pay) Bill
Deidre Brock ExcerptsWednesday 21st March 2018
(6 years, 9 months ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Northern Ireland Assembly Members (Pay) Act 2018 Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Deidre Brock (Edinburgh North and Leith) (SNP)
This is a bit like déjà vu all over again.
We, too, accept the Secretary of State’s points with regard to the need for this Bill. I have little to add to my comments in the last two debates, particularly on my dismay at the fast-tracking of today’s legislation and my view that these decisions should properly be taken in the devolved legislature. I am, however, very pleased to note the Secretary of State’s points regarding MLAs’ allowances and staff costs not being cut. At least, constituents will therefore continue to be well-served from constituency offices. I certainly acknowledge the strength of feeling of the public of Northern Ireland on this issue, so we will not oppose the Bill.