Statement by TUV MLA Timothy Gaston:
“Both during and in the aftermath of yesterday’s disgraceful meeting of the Executive Office Committee, there have been suggestions that I have not explored issues related to the Michael McMonagle’s scandal with the Assembly Commission.
“In the current session of the Assembly a total of 30 written questions have been submitted to the Commission by all MLAs – 19 of those are mine, almost two thirds of all questions.
“A total of 25 questions have been asked by all MLAs on issues relating to the Michael McMonagle scandal. All but 7 of those were tabled by myself – over 70% of all questions on the issue.
“The questions can all be read here.
“Among the answers I have received is one revealing that just short of £110,000 of public money was paid by the Assembly to convicted child sex offender Michael McMonagle.
“Other key questions – including whether the Commission will come to the Assembly chamber to answer questions on the issue remain unanswered. This was something I attempted to do by way of an urgent oral some weeks ago only for Alliance deputy speaker John Blair to reject the request. Tellingly, there are no questions in from any Alliance MLAs on these matters.”