Written question asked by Gregory Campbell (Democratic Unionist Party) on Thursday, 26 September 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 1 October 2019 (named day). It was answered by Julian Smith (Conservative) on Tuesday, 1 October 2019 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office: Civil Servants

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether his Department made a cash payment to a civil servant as a result of offence allegedly caused by a royal portrait on display in the Northern Ireland Office.

Answer: It would be inappropriate to comment on any individual case. The Northern Ireland Office, takes its responsibilities under Fair Employment legislation very seriously; the requirements of which are set out in the 1989 Fair Employment Code of Practice. The NIO also operates in line with the Equality Commission of Northern Ireland’s Guide ‘Promoting a Good and Harmonious Working Environment’. A portrait of the Queen, as head of state, is on display in the public area of Stormont House alongside a balanced set of images celebrating and reflecting the work of the Northern Ireland Office.

Secondary information