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Deputy Inna Gardiner Chair
Scrutiny Liaison Committee By email
29th April 2024
Dear Deputy Gardiner ,
Health and Social Services – Role of Scrutiny Panel Member in Executive work
Thank you for your letter of 25th April. I am grateful to you for seeking clarification in respect of this matter.
I am committed, as I have always been, to ensuring that we utilise the skills and expertise of as many States Members as possible as we address the various challenges that Jersey faces. This is an objective which is shared across the Government, and we will work closely with colleagues as far as is possible. I believe this was an expectation of the Assembly when we were appointed in January and, as you will know, it has also been an ambition of previous governments.
Since coming to office, the Health Minister has become aware of significant concerns among a large number of consultants who are engaged by the Health Department.
The Minister wanted these concerns to be independently considered and, accordingly, asked Deputy Bailhache – as a respected and highly experienced States Member – to support him. Deputy Bailhache engaged with those consultants who wished to meet him in order to listen, hear their concerns, and report these in a consolidated and impartial manner to the Health Ministerial team.
As far as the Health Minister and I are aware, Deputy Bailhache informed the Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel of this work. The Assistant Ministers to the Health Minister were also all aware.
The Troy Rule' is embodied in Article 25A(1) of the States of Jersey Law 2005 and Standing Order 112A. Deputy Bailhache does not serve as a Minister or Assistant Minister and holds no executive role or powers. As such, there can be no question of this matter raising any issues in this regard.
I understand that the Chair of the Health Panel has indicated to the Health Minister that she was content for Deputy Bailhache to conclude this work in a reasonable timeframe, and I can confirm that the work has now concluded. Should the Committee have further questions that specifically relate to the work undertaken, I'm sure the Minister would be pleased to engage with you.
I have discussed your correspondence with the Health Minister, and he is aware of this response.
Yours sincerely,
Deputy Lyndon Farnham Chief Minister
Government of Jersey | 19-21 Broad Street | St Helier | Jersey | JE2 3RR
CC: Connétable Karen Shenton-Stone , Chair, Privileges and Procedures Committee