Written question asked by David Burnside (Independent Unionist) on Wednesday, 3 December 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 December 2003. It was answered by Lord Murphy of Torfaen (Labour) on Monday, 15 December 2003 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what the expected monthly running cost is of the Northern Ireland Assembly (a) while suspended and (b) when fully operational, broken down by (i) MLA salaries and office cost allowance costs, (ii) executive costs when the Assembly is operational and (iii) general administration costs.

Answer: David Burnside: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the expected monthly running cost is of the Northern Ireland Assembly (a) while suspended and (b) when fully operational, broken down by (i) MLA salaries and office cost allowance costs, (ii) executive costs when the Assembly is operational and (iii) general administration costs. [142773] Mr. Paul Murphy: The expected monthly running costs of the Northern Ireland Assembly while suspension continues are £1.93 million, comprising £0.83 million for MLA salaries, office cost allowance, travel and subsistence expenses and party allowances and £l.l million for general administration. The monthly costs when the Assembly was last fully operational were £2.64 million, comprising 0.97 million for MLA salaries, office cost allowance, travel and subsistence expenses and party allowances and £1.67 million for executive and general administration costs. It is not possible to separate the executive costs of running Assembly business from the general administration costs.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 142773; 415 c740W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Administration Costs Pay Northern Ireland Assembly Northern Ireland government Operating costs Northern Ireland Assembly members
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk