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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CHIEF MINISTER BY DEPUTY R.G. LE HÉRISSIER OF ST. SAVIOUR
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 1st APRIL 2008
Question
Is the Chief Minister satisfied that the concept of the political accountability of Ministers is working effectively within the States?
Answer
Yes, I am satisfied that political accountability of Ministers is working effectively.
All Ministerial Decisions are recorded and are available to States Members on the States website. The published Decision Summary also outlines the reason(s) behind the Ministerial Decision. The basis and process for making and recording Ministerial Decisions is clearly laid out in R.80/2005.
In relation to decisions made at meetings of the Council of Ministers, a Decision Summary is distributed to States Members the following day. Minutes of the A' Agenda are published and available to States Members. Agendas are also sent to States Members prior to the Council of Minister's meeting identifying issues due for discussion. A press briefing is also undertaken shortly after the meeting of the Council of Ministers helping to ensure that decisions of the Council of Ministers are effectively and swiftly communicated to the wider public.
Furthermore, Ministers have agreed on a Code of Conduct as outlined in R.14/2006. This Code offers clear guidance to Ministers on matters which relate to their responsibilities as Ministers and as members of the Council of Ministers.
Finally, the Scrutiny Panel process and the Privileges and Procedures Committee help to ensure that Ministers are held accountable for their decisions, policies and actions.
The Deputy has made a number of comments, both within Jersey and further afield, that suggest he does not believe there is sufficient accountability. If that is the case I believe he should either put forward his evidence to the Privileges and Procedures Committee or bring his own Report and Proposition to the States.