8 February 2001 Edition
`Yes Minister' row hits Assembly
BY LAURA FRIEL
A row between Assembly members and Stormont civil servants, reminiscent of the 1980's television series ``Yes Minister'', which dramatised the power struggle between elected politicians and their officials, surfaced last week after a memo by a senior civil servant complaining about political interference was leaked.
The memo written by a senior Stormont civil servant, the Department of Regional Development Permanent Secretary Ronnie Spence, and circulated to high ranking colleagues, complained that ``conventions'' that kept politicians at bay were being flouted by Assembly members and committees.
In his letter dated 12 January, Spence said permanent secretaries had been discussing ``emerging difficulties'' since the transfer of powers to the Assembly over the absence of ``conventions'' similar to those in Westminster to determine the demarcation lines between ministers, officials, the assembly and committees.
The senior civil servant called on each department to compile a list of instances where Assembly members or committees raised issues which officials felt were the exclusive preserve of the civil service. The permanent secretary cited a number of recent incursions.
Highlighting the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure's wish to get involved in an industrial relations issue, Spence admitted in his memo that ``they probably have the legal right to get involved. However, in Westminster and in local government, conventions have been established which leave such issues to officers.''
Citing a further example, Spence complains about the Department of the Environment committee's wish to see discussion papers at draft stage. Acknowledging the committee's right to access all documents, the civil servant complains that the equivalent body at Westminster would not take such steps.
Some committees, objects Spence, are inclined to get involved in ``detailed casework'' and questioning of officials about ``operational matters.'' [They'll be wanting democratic accountability next - Ed.]
Angry Assembly members hit back, describing the permanent secretary's memo as a threat to open government and the promise of the Good Friday Agreement. Sinn Féin Chief Whip, Alex Maskey, said the document backed suspicions that civil servants have effectively been running all government departments.
Unionists were equally incensed. Alan McFarland of the UUP said it showed ``old guard civil servants circling the wagons'' under the scrutiny of Assembly committees. Even Willie McCrea of the DUP warned that the days of civil servants being in control of ministers were ``finished''. Civil servants were facing something that they haven't faced for many years, said McCrea, being held to account for the decisions they make.
Demanding a full explanation, Alex Maskey said it had been over 72 hours since the memo had come to light and there was still no official response. ``I'm sure there is the belief that if there is no official response the matter will disappear,'' said Maskey.
``The time is fast approaching when we should consider asking for those senior civil servants to resign. It is the only option unless they come forward and offer an explanation,'' he said.
Clearly, Ronnie Spence could learn something from the fictional Sir Humphrey. There was a man who would never have been foolhardy enough to commit his thoughts to paper.
A row between Assembly members and Stormont civil servants, reminiscent of the 1980's television series ``Yes Minister'', which dramatised the power struggle between elected politicians and their officials, surfaced last week after a memo by a senior civil servant complaining about political interference was leaked.
The memo written by a senior Stormont civil servant, the Department of Regional Development Permanent Secretary Ronnie Spence, and circulated to high ranking colleagues, complained that ``conventions'' that kept politicians at bay were being flouted by Assembly members and committees.
In his letter dated 12 January, Spence said permanent secretaries had been discussing ``emerging difficulties'' since the transfer of powers to the Assembly over the absence of ``conventions'' similar to those in Westminster to determine the demarcation lines between ministers, officials, the assembly and committees.
The senior civil servant called on each department to compile a list of instances where Assembly members or committees raised issues which officials felt were the exclusive preserve of the civil service. The permanent secretary cited a number of recent incursions.
Highlighting the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure's wish to get involved in an industrial relations issue, Spence admitted in his memo that ``they probably have the legal right to get involved. However, in Westminster and in local government, conventions have been established which leave such issues to officers.''
Citing a further example, Spence complains about the Department of the Environment committee's wish to see discussion papers at draft stage. Acknowledging the committee's right to access all documents, the civil servant complains that the equivalent body at Westminster would not take such steps.
Some committees, objects Spence, are inclined to get involved in ``detailed casework'' and questioning of officials about ``operational matters.'' [They'll be wanting democratic accountability next - Ed.]
Angry Assembly members hit back, describing the permanent secretary's memo as a threat to open government and the promise of the Good Friday Agreement. Sinn Féin Chief Whip, Alex Maskey, said the document backed suspicions that civil servants have effectively been running all government departments.
Unionists were equally incensed. Alan McFarland of the UUP said it showed ``old guard civil servants circling the wagons'' under the scrutiny of Assembly committees. Even Willie McCrea of the DUP warned that the days of civil servants being in control of ministers were ``finished''. Civil servants were facing something that they haven't faced for many years, said McCrea, being held to account for the decisions they make.
Demanding a full explanation, Alex Maskey said it had been over 72 hours since the memo had come to light and there was still no official response. ``I'm sure there is the belief that if there is no official response the matter will disappear,'' said Maskey.
``The time is fast approaching when we should consider asking for those senior civil servants to resign. It is the only option unless they come forward and offer an explanation,'' he said.
Clearly, Ronnie Spence could learn something from the fictional Sir Humphrey. There was a man who would never have been foolhardy enough to commit his thoughts to paper.