Question to the Leader of the House:

To ask the Leader of the House, if the Government will take steps to stop representative money being paid to hon. Members elected for Sinn Féin under the circumstances that those hon. Members refuse to take their seats; and if she will make a statement.

Under a resolution of the House financial assistance is provided to opposition parties represented by Members who have chosen not to take their seats.

It is the Government's view that this issue is primarily a matter for the House itself to resolve.