Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:-
“Publicly funded ministerial cars are supposed to be used by ministers solely for official business. It is clear that they are not to be used for private business (see AQW 7630/17-22).
“Yet on Sunday 6th February 2022 Sinn Fein Finance Minister, Conor Murphy, used the department’s official car to attend a GAA match in Armagh as a private citizen.
“When caught out he refunded a paltry £4.36 to the department! (See AQW 29351/17-22). Taxis must be very cheap in County Armagh!
“Not being prepared to let Sinn Fein off with such abuse, I have today tabled the following further Assembly Question, requiring the Minister to explain how his jaunt fits in with the clear policy against such private use.
“To ask the Minister of Finance further to the response to AQW 29351/17-22, how was his personal use of the ministerial car on 6 February 2022 compatible with the affirmation in AQW 7630/17-22 that official transport must not be used for private business.
“It is not the amount that matters but the abuse being practised.
“I am also asking if there have been other occasions when the minister has used the official car for private business and, if so, when.”