§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the policy of her Department in respect of members of staff engaged in political activity. [81860]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyAll civil servants are required to observe rules on engagement in political activities liable to give public expression to political views. The rules are intended to protect the political impartiality of the Civil Service whilst giving individuals the greatest possible freedom to participate in public affairs.
The extent to which a member of staff is permitted to engage in political activity, and whether they are required to seek permission from their department, is determined by reference to the grade of the individual and the nature of their official duties. Even where permission has been granted, the individual is required to observe fully the general rules on conduct and the code of discretion which governs the extent to which a civil servant may express political views.
All staff are barred from any form of political activity whilst on duty or in uniform or on official premises.
The rules on political activity are contained in the Northern Ireland Civil Service Pay and Conditions of Service Code which is available to all staff. Similar rules applying to Home Civil Servants are contained in their Staff Handbook.
§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action was taken following the investigations into a member of staff from the Department of the Environment-Planning Service who appeared on a public platform at a rally in support of the Spirit of Drumcree Group in November 1995; and if she will place the report of the inquiry in the Library. [81885]
191W
§ Mr. Paul MurphyFollowing an internal investigation, and having considered representations made by him, the Department of the Environment (NI) concluded that the officer concerned had, by his comments and actions in November 1995, breached the Conduct section of the Northern Ireland Civil Service Pay and Conditions of Service Code. The officer consequently received, in December 1998, a formal written reprimand and a warning as to his future conduct.
As disciplinary action involving a civil servant is an internal matter which is dealt with by his/her employing Department in confidence, and in strict accordance with established procedures, it is not appropriate for any papers relating to this internal investigation to be placed in the Library. The officer concerned has, in any case, indicated his intention to appeal against the disciplinary penalty imposed.