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2018.07.10
3.17 Senator K.L. Moore of the Chief Minister regarding his key achievements and priorities: [OQ. 101/2018]
What has been the key achievement of the Chief Minister's first 30 days in the role and what are his priorities for the next 60 days?
The Deputy Bailiff :
Who is answering that question on the Chief Minister's behalf?
The Connétable of St. Ouen (Assistant Chief Minister - rapporteur):
Yes, it is me, I understand I am stepping into the lion's den for this one, but here we go. I thank the Senator for her question. There are a number of achievements that the Chief Minister can highlight from his first 30 days in office. He has appointed a First Policy Development Board to review the hospital site, bringing together Ministers and Back-Bench States Members to ensure he can move quickly with a greater degree of consensus than previously. The Council of Ministers, under his chairmanship, also ensured that the Care Inquiry response continues to be prioritised, as evidenced by the recent decisions made regarding Haut de la Garenne and a lasting memorial for those who have suffered abuse in Jersey. In addition, the Channel Island Political Oversight Board has been established and has agreed priority work streams, supporting new partnerships to improve our public services in both Bailiwicks and reducing the cost to taxpayers. For the next 60 days, the Chief Minister will be focusing on finalising his strategic plan.
- Senator K.L. Moore :
Does the Chief Minister intend to publish a statement of priority, as the Minister for External Relations has? The Connétable of St. Ouen :
Thank you for the question. The Chief Minister set out his priorities in his statement when standing for office in June. I do not think he intends to add to that at the moment.
- Deputy M. Tadier :
The Assistant Chief Minister cited the creation of policy boards, which included Executive and Back-Bench Members as one of the successes of this current Government. Does the Assistant Chief Minister believe that there is a tension there and also how would it interact with the Troy Rule, which has the clear demarcation between Scrutiny and Executive functions?
The Connétable of St. Ouen :
Yes, I thank the Deputy for his question. We have considered the Troy Rule in setting up these boards and have tried to avoid any conflicts in that respect.
- Deputy M. Tadier :
Could the Assistant Chief Minister explain what steps have been taken to avoid that conflict? For example, would there be limitations on Scrutiny members joining boards of ministerial departments that they might be scrutinising?
[11:15]
The Connétable of St. Ouen :
Yes, there have been restrictions set on Scrutiny members joining those boards, where they have a direct interest in the subject, so I believe that, perhaps, answers the question.
- Deputy K.F. Morel :
Would the Chief Minister accept that the list of priorities given in his speech, before taking office, is not a substitute for statements of priorities created subsequent to taking office and would he endeavour to provide us with the statement of priorities in the coming days, or weeks?
The Connétable of St. Ouen :
I thank the Deputy for his question and I understand exactly where he is coming from for that; things do develop as time goes on. I will discuss this with the Chief Minister and, if necessary, we will get back to the Deputy with a response.
- Deputy S.M. Wickenden of St. Helier :
Would the Assistant Minister please confirm that these policy boards are being appointed, rather than being open for people to apply, therefore not really what we would call crossing the floor? Would the Chief Minister make a promise to open these policy forums for people to apply to them, who are interested rather than appointing people and friends?
The Connétable of St. Ouen :
In response, the policy boards are broadly appointed by the Council of Ministers and I will put the Deputy 's second point to the Chief Minister and get back to him. I obviously cannot answer directly, as he is not here today, unfortunately.
- Senator K.L. Moore :
I would like to thank the Assistant Chief Minister for answering questions, on behalf of the Chief Minister, today. But I do think it would assist the Assembly if he could explain why the Chief Minister was not able to return from the Jersey Day celebrations that were held last evening where most Ministers, who were in attendance, were able to attend the Assembly today?
The Deputy Bailiff :
I am sorry, Deputy , I have to rule that question, as popular as it might have been, out of order, because it is not within the parameters of questions asked.
The Connétable of St. Ouen : I can provide a response.
The Deputy Bailiff :
No, I have ruled it out of order, so if you wish to notify other people then it is outside of question time.